GC COMPANIES INC
10-K, 1997-01-29
MOTION PICTURE THEATERS
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<PAGE>   1
                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

                  Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
                     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                   For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1996

                         Commission File Number 1-12360

                               GC COMPANIES, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

          Delaware                                      04-3200876
(State or other jurisdiction of               (IRS Employer Identification No.)
 incorporation or organization)

27 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts          02167
    (Address of principal executive offices)            (Zip Code)

            Registrant's telephone number and area code: 617-278-5600

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                                        Name of Each Exchange
     Title of Each Class                                 on which Registered
     -------------------                                 -------------------

  Common Stock, $.01 par value                          New York Stock Exchange

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

              Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No

              Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant
to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendments to this Form 10-K. [ ]

              The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by
non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $ 202,409,000 on January 20,
1997.

              There were 7,822,830 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of
January 20, 1997.

                             ----------------------

                       Documents Incorporated by Reference

              Portions of the Company's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders are
incorporated by reference into Parts I, II and IV of this Report. Portions of
the Proxy Statement for the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held
on March 12, 1997 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.
<PAGE>   2
                               GC COMPANIES, INC.

                           ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

                   FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1996

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART I                                                                                  Page No.
- ------                                                                                  --------

<S>                        <C>                                                            <C>
         Item 1.           Business                                                        1
         Item 2.           Properties                                                      7
         Item 3.           Legal Proceedings                                               8
         Item 4.           Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders             8

PART II
- -------

         Item 5.           Market for the Registrant's Common Equity
                              and Related Stockholder Matters                              8

         Item 6.           Selected Financial Data                                         9
         Item 7.           Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                              Financial Condition and Results of Operations                9
         Item 8.           Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                     9
         Item 9.           Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
                              on Accounting and Financial Disclosure                       9

PART III
- --------
         Item 10.          Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant             10
         Item 11.          Executive Compensation                                         11
         Item 12.          Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
                              Management                                                  11

         Item 13.          Certain Relationships and Related Transactions                 11

PART IV
- -------
         Item 14.          Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports
                              on Form 8-K                                                 12

Signatures                                                                                14
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3
                                     PART I

Item 1.       BUSINESS

GENERAL

     GC Companies, Inc. (the "Company") operates a leading motion picture
exhibition circuit in the United States under the name "General Cinema Theatres"
and also manages a pool of the Company's capital for investments. Through its
investment operations, the Company invests in businesses which have been, and
which may continue to be, unrelated to the Company's theatre business and the
broader entertainment industry. INVESTMENTS MADE BY THE COMPANY MAY BE HIGHLY
ILLIQUID AND MAY INVOLVE CONSIDERABLE RISK. SEE "GCC INVESTMENTS, INC." BELOW.

     The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in
September 1993 as a subsidiary of Harcourt General, Inc. ("Harcourt General").
In December 1993, Harcourt General completed the spinoff (the "Spinoff") of the
Company to the stockholders of Harcourt General. From 1950 until the Spinoff,
General Cinema Theatres had been operated by Harcourt General. See "Relationship
with Harcourt General" below.

GENERAL CINEMA THEATRES

General

     The Company's theatre operations are the outgrowth of a motion picture
exhibition business which originated in 1922. The predecessors of the Company
are credited with opening two of the first drive-in movie theatres in 1938 and
one of the first indoor shopping center theatres in 1951.

     As of October 31, 1996, the Company operated 189 theatres with a total of
1,159 screens in 25 states. The Company provides convenient and comfortable
theatres offering a popular selection of films. Virtually all of the Company's
theatres are state-of-the-art facilities, equipped with high quality sound and
projection equipment, and exhibit films on a "first run" basis.

     Approximately 83% of the Company's theatres, and approximately 87% of the
Company's screens, are located in 30 of the 50 largest Areas of Dominant
Influence (television market areas as defined by Arbitron Company) in the United
States, with approximately 35% of the Company's theatres and approximately 33%
of the Company's screens located in California, Florida and Texas.

                                        1
<PAGE>   4
     From the beginning of fiscal 1986 through the end of fiscal 1996, the
Company increased its average number of screens per theatre from 3.7 to 6.1. All
of the Company's theatres (except one) are multi-screen theatres, and
approximately 78% of the Company's screens are located in theatres having 6 to
16 screens. The Company expects to continue to increase the average number of
screens per theatre in its circuit by selectively closing or selling less
productive theatres which generally have fewer screens, by building theatres
with more screens per theatre, and by adding screens to existing theatres. Since
November 1, 1991, the Company has opened 12 new theatres with an average of 8.6
screens each. Key factors which the Company considers in selecting new theatre
sites are demographic trends derived from statistical sources, distance from
competitive theatres, and accessibility and proximity to retail and other
entertainment and dining areas.

     Multi-screen theatres enable the Company to present a variety of films
appealing to diverse segments of the movie-going public while serving patrons
from common support facilities such as concession stands, box offices and sales
outlets. The Company believes that this strategy enhances attendance, increases
the utilization of theatre capacity and promotes operating efficiencies.
Staggered scheduling of movie starting times minimizes staffing requirements for
auditorium entry and exit and box office and concession stand services, and
reduces congestion throughout the theatre and its parking areas. Multi-screen
theatres also provide increased flexibility in determining the length of time
that a film will run and the size of the auditorium in which it will be shown.

     The Company continually seeks to maximize cash flows through adherence to
cost containment practices. The Company also emphasizes quality control through
efforts such as its "Reel Excellence" program, centered around visits by
unidentified patrons who evaluate the Company's theatres. In addition, the
Company provides incentive compensation to its theatre managers on the basis of
performance, customer service responsiveness and quality of theatre operations.

Marketing and Advertising

     The Company relies principally upon television, radio and newspaper display
advertisements (substantially paid for by distributors) and newspaper directory
film schedules (generally paid for by the Company) to inform its patrons of film
titles and exhibition times. The Company also shows previews of coming
attractions and films presently playing on the other screens operated by the
Company in the same theatre or geographic area. The Company also benefits from
promotional programs involving various products and merchants.

                                        2
<PAGE>   5
Film Licensing

     Consistent with industry practice, and in part required by consent decrees
to which certain film distributors are parties, distributors generally license
films to exhibitors on a screen-by-screen basis. Film licenses are obtained
either by negotiating directly with, or by submitting bids to, film
distributors.

     Fees payable to distributors are based upon several factors, including
theatre location, film supply, competition, season and film content. Film
licensing (termed "film buying" in the industry) typically requires payment of a
fee based on the higher of a gross receipts formula or a theatre admissions
revenue sharing formula. Under a gross receipts formula, the distributor
receives a specified percentage of box office receipts, with the percentage
declining over the term of the run. Under a theatre admissions revenue sharing
formula, the distributor receives a specified percentage of the excess of box
office receipts over a negotiated allowance for theatre expenses. The Company
may agree to guarantee minimum license fees or make recoupable advance payments
on licensing fees, or both, in order to obtain a license for a film that is in
high demand.

     The Company's film buyers evaluate the prospects for upcoming films prior
to the time that distributors solicit interest. Criteria considered for each
film include all of the factors which affect box office potential, including
cast, director, plot, performance of similar films, the production cost and
marketing budget for the film, estimated film licensing costs, estimated impact
on concession sales, and the expected Motion Picture Association of America
rating. The Company maintains records of attendance by film title and theatre
location so as to enable its film buyers to evaluate a prospective film's
suitability and likelihood of success with respect to each theatre location.

     The Company's business is dependent upon the availability of motion
pictures that have substantial popular appeal. There are fewer than ten major
distributors which provide a substantial portion of quality first run movies to
the exhibition industry. Historically, and during fiscal 1996, less than 25% of
the Company's total annual box office receipts have been attributable to the
films of any single distributor. From year to year, however, the Company's
revenues attributable to individual distributors may vary significantly
depending upon the commercial success of each distributor's films. The Company
believes that its relationships with each of the major distributors generally
are good.

     The failure to maintain good relationships with, or the poor performance
by, one or more of the major distributors, or the disruption in the production
of motion pictures for any reason (such as labor unrest, the increased cost of
production or distribution of films, or the diversion of funds from production
and distribution to other ventures

                                        3
<PAGE>   6
by the major studios or independent producers) might have a materially adverse
effect upon the Company's business and its results of operations.

Concessions

     The Company owns and operates the concession stands in all of its theatres.
Concession sales are the second largest source of revenue for the Company after
box office receipts and contribute significantly to the Company's earnings.
Concession items consist primarily of popcorn, soft drinks and candy. The
Company is continuing its efforts to increase concession sales through
optimizing product mix, introducing new products such as brand name fast foods,
coffee and other beverages, novelty items and film-related merchandise, offering
bulk candy snacks, training staff to cross- sell products, and making efficient
use of concession facilities and staff. The Company's strategy emphasizes
prominent and appealing concession counters designed for rapid service,
efficiency, and optimal merchandising of concession items.

Competition

     The Company's theatres are subject to varying degrees of competition in the
geographic areas in which they operate. Competition is often intense with
respect to licensing films, attracting patrons and finding new theatre sites.

     The Company believes that the principal competitive factors with respect to
film licensing include licensing terms, box office grossing histories, seating
capacity, location of theatres, the quality of projection and sound equipment
and the exhibitors' ability and willingness to promote films. The Company
believes that the principal competitive factors with respect to attracting
patrons include the availability and licensing of popular films, the location
and comfort of theatres, the quality of the projection and sound equipment, and
ticket prices.

     Industry participants vary substantially in size, from small independent
operators of a single theatre with a single screen to large national chains of
multi-screen theatres. All compete aggressively with the Company for films,
patrons and theatre locations. The Company competes directly with its largest
competitors in most of the geographic areas in which it operates.

     The Company's theatres compete with other forms of entertainment for the
public's leisure time and disposable income. For example, the Company's theatres
face competition from a number of alternative motion picture exhibition delivery
systems, such as video cassettes and cable television, including pay-per-view,
and satellite entertainment technology. While the future impact of such delivery
systems on the motion picture exhibition industry cannot be determined
precisely, such delivery systems may have had, and in the future may have, an
adverse impact on attendance at the Company's theatres.

                                        4
<PAGE>   7
Employees

     At October 31, 1996, the Company had approximately 1,600 full-time and
5,500 part-time theatre employees. The number of part-time employees generally
increases during the summer and holiday seasons in keeping with the seasonal
nature of the motion picture exhibition business.

     Approximately 10% of the Company's employees are represented by the
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Motion Picture Machine
Operators and less than 1% of the Company's employees are represented by the
Service Employees International Union. The Company believes that its
relationships with these unions, and with its employees generally, are good.

Seasonality

     The major film distributors generally release most of the films which they
anticipate will be the most successful during the summer (Memorial Day weekend
through Labor Day weekend) and holiday (Thanksgiving weekend through New Year's
Day) seasons. Consequently, the Company historically has generated higher
revenues, and substantially all of its earnings, during these periods.

GCC INVESTMENTS, INC.

     Through GCC Investments, Inc., the Company invests in companies which have
been, and which may continue to be, engaged in businesses which are unrelated to
the Company's theatre business and the broader entertainment industry. These
investment operations are conducted by a team of investment professionals who
evaluate investment opportunities, negotiate and structure the terms of each
investment, monitor the Company's investments and, as designees of the Company,
may serve as members of the boards of directors of such companies. To date, the
Company has financed its investments with existing cash balances. The Company
may use cash generated by theatre operations, sales of existing investments or
borrowings under its line of credit, in addition to cash then on hand, to
finance future investments.

     The investments of the Company to date have been, and are expected to
continue to be, minority positions in businesses which the Company believes will
provide substantial returns on the invested cash balances. Although the Company
does not seek to provide day-to-day managerial support to the companies in which
it holds investments, the Company may provide such companies with assistance
with respect to strategic, financial and operational matters. It also is
possible that the Company may, by reason of investment, acquisition, conversion
of securities, or otherwise, obtain control of a portfolio company.

                                        5
<PAGE>   8
     INVESTMENTS MADE BY THE COMPANY MAY BE HIGHLY ILLIQUID AND MAY INVOLVE
CONSIDERABLE RISK. BECAUSE OF THE COMPANY'S DESIRE TO MAXIMIZE RETURNS FROM ITS
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS, CURRENT INCOME CONSTITUTES A LOW STRATEGIC PRIORITY.
THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE COMPANY'S INVESTMENT OPERATIONS WILL MAKE A
CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMPANY'S EARNINGS IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. THE COMPANY'S
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS MAY REDUCE THE COMPANY'S EARNINGS OR CAUSE THE COMPANY TO
INCUR LOSSES. FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING THE INVESTMENTS MADE BY THE COMPANY,
SEE "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS" AND NOTES 2, 3 AND 12 TO THE COMPANY'S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS, BOTH OF WHICH ARE CONTAINED IN THE COMPANY'S 1996 ANNUAL REPORT TO
STOCKHOLDERS AND INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.

RELATIONSHIP WITH HARCOURT GENERAL

     Under an Intercompany Services Agreement entered into between the Company
and Harcourt General at the time of the Spinoff, Harcourt General provided
comprehensive management, accounting, financial, legal, tax, personnel, and
other corporate services to the Company in consideration of a fee based on
Harcourt General's costs. The Company and Harcourt General amended the
Intercompany Services Agreement in November 1995 to reduce the level of services
to be provided by Harcourt General. As amended, the Intercompany Service
Agreement provides for Harcourt's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer to serve
as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and one of Harcourt's
Presidents and Co-Chief Operating Officers to serve as President and Chief
Operating Officer of the Company, and such additional corporate services as the
Company and Harcourt General may mutually determine from time to time. The fees
payable to Harcourt General under the Intercompany Services Agreement have been,
and will continue to be, subject to the approval of the Company's Special Review
Committee, a committee of the Board of Directors consisting solely of directors
who are not affiliated with Harcourt General. The fees paid or accrued by the
Company under the Intercompany Services Agreement were $1.1 million, $3.1
million and $1.7 million, respectively, for fiscal years 1996, 1995 and 1994.

     In addition, substantially all of the theatre leases to which the Company
is a party are guaranteed by Harcourt General. Pursuant to a Reimbursement and
Security Agreement entered into between the Company and Harcourt General at the
time of the Spinoff, the Company has agreed to reimburse Harcourt General for
all liabilities, if any, which may be incurred by Harcourt General after the
Spinoff in connection with the theatre leases, and has pledged all of the stock
of its theatre subsidiaries to Harcourt General as security for such agreement.
The Company also agreed to maintain certain financial and operating covenants
designed to minimize Harcourt General's exposure with respect to the theatre
leases. In consideration of Harcourt General's continuing guarantees of the
theatre leases, the Company pays Harcourt General a guarantor's fee measured as
a percentage of the present value of all amounts owing under the theatre leases
for which Harcourt General has potential liability. The

                                        6
<PAGE>   9
guarantor's fee paid by the Company to Harcourt General for fiscal 1996 was
approximately $271,000. Harcourt General has not guaranteed any theatre leases
entered into by the Company following the Spinoff.

     Although Harcourt General has no equity ownership in the Company, Richard
A. Smith and certain members of his family (the "Smith Family Group")
beneficially own approximately 28.4% of the outstanding Common Stock of the
Company and approximately 27.7% of the outstanding equity securities of Harcourt
General. In addition, Richard A. Smith, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of Harcourt General, serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company. Robert A. Smith, one of the Presidents and Co-Chief Operating Officers
of Harcourt General, serves as the President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Company. For additional information concerning the stock ownership by the Smith
Family Group, reference may be made to the Proxy Statement for the Company's
1997 Annual Meeting (the "Proxy Statement").

ITEM 2.       PROPERTIES

     As of October 31, 1996, the Company operated 189 theatres in 25 states,
with approximately 35% of the Company's theatres and approximately 33% of the
Company's screens located in California, Florida and Texas. As of such date,
virtually all of the Company's theatres were operated pursuant to leases. The
Company's theatre leases are generally entered into on a long-term basis with
terms (including options) ranging from 20 to 40 years. Theatre leases typically
provide for rent based on box office receipts subject to an annual minimum
rental. The Company also is usually obligated to pay taxes, utilities, common
area maintenance costs and certain other expenses related to its leased
theatres.

     The Company has an agreement with a major financial institution to provide
operating leases for up to $250 million of assets over the next five years for
its theatre circuit expansion program.

     The Company's corporate, theatre and investment headquarters are located in
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. The Company also has regional
theatre offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia and
Los Angeles. Corporate headquarters' functions include overall administration
and management of the Company and all investment operations. Theatre
headquarters' functions include accounting, administration with respect to
theatre operations, finance, human resources, information services, marketing,
real estate development and strategic planning. Regional office functions
include film licensing and theatre management with respect to particular
geographic areas. The Company subleases its corporate and theatre headquarters
from Harcourt General and leases its regional offices.

                                        7
<PAGE>   10
     For additional information regarding the Company's lease obligations, see
Notes 5 and 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 3.       LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     The Company is involved in various legal proceedings arising in the
ordinary course of its business operations. The Company does not believe that
the disposition of any such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on
the financial position or continuing operations of the Company.

ITEM 4.       SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     Not Applicable.

                                     PART II

ITEM 5.       MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
              STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

     The Company's Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "GCX." The high and low sales prices for the Common Stock on the New York
Stock Exchange for the past two fiscal years were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     FISCAL 1996:

                             High               Low
                             ----               ---
<S>                         <C>                <C>
     First Quarter          $35.25             $32.00
     Second Quarter         $38.00             $32.75
     Third Quarter          $37.75             $33.50
     Fourth Quarter         $37.88             $33.25


     FISCAL 1995:

                             High               Low
                             ----               ---
     First Quarter          $31.13             $24.75
     Second Quarter         $35.00             $29.88
     Third Quarter          $34.50             $32.00
     Fourth Quarter         $34.75             $31.50
</TABLE>

                                        8
<PAGE>   11
     At January 14, 1997, there were 3,564 record holders of Common Stock.

DIVIDEND POLICY

     The Company has not paid and has no current plans to pay cash dividends on
its Common Stock. The Company currently intends to retain earnings for use in
its theatre business and investment operations.

ITEM 6.       SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     The response to this Item is contained in the Company's 1996 Annual Report
to Stockholders under the caption "Selected Financial Data" on page 3 and is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7.       MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
              FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The response to this Item is contained in the Company's 1996 Annual Report
to Stockholders under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" on pages 4 through 7 and is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 8.       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

     The Consolidated Financial Statements and supplementary data incorporated
by reference into Item 14 below are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 9.       CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
              ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

     None.

                                        9
<PAGE>   12
                                    PART III

ITEM 10.       DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

DIRECTORS

     The response to this Item regarding the directors of the Company and
compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the
Company's officers and directors is contained in the Proxy Statement under the
captions "Election of Directors" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership
Reporting Compliance" and is incorporated herein by reference.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

     Below are the name, age and principal occupations for the last five years
of each current executive officer of the Company. All such persons have been
elected to serve until the next annual election of officers and their successors
are elected or until their earlier resignation or removal.

Richard A. Smith - 72

     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 1993; President
     of the Company from 1993 until November 1995; Chairman of Harcourt General,
     Inc. ("Harcourt General") and of The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., a majority
     owned subsidiary of Harcourt General ("Neiman Marcus"); Chief Executive
     Officer of Harcourt General and of Neiman Marcus since January 15, 1997 and
     prior to December 1991; Director of Neiman Marcus, Liberty Mutual Insurance
     Company, Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Liberty Financial
     Companies, Inc., and Bank of Boston Corporation and its principal
     subsidiary, The First National Bank of Boston. Mr. Smith is the father of
     Robert A. Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, and
     the father-in-law of John G. Berylson, Senior Vice President and Chief
     Investment Officer of the Company.


Robert A. Smith - 37

     President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since November 1995;
     President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of Harcourt General and President
     and Chief Operating Officer of Neiman Marcus since January 15, 1997; Group
     Vice President of Harcourt General and of Neiman Marcus prior thereto;
     Director of Harcourt General and Neiman Marcus Group. Mr. Smith is the son
     of Richard A. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company,
     and the brother-in-law of John G. Berylson, Senior Vice President and Chief
     Investment Officer of the Company.


Paul R. Del Rossi - 54

     President and Chief Executive Officer of General Cinema Theatres, Inc.
     since 1993; President of General Cinema Theatres, Inc., a subsidiary of
     Harcourt General, prior

                                       10
<PAGE>   13
     to the Spinoff since 1983; Director of The DeWolfe Companies, Inc.


John G. Berylson - 43

     Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the Company since
     1993; Managing Director of Advent International Financial Services, a
     venture capital and financial services firm, prior thereto. Mr. Berylson is
     the son-in-law of Richard A. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
     the Company, and the brother-in-law of Robert A. Smith, President and Chief
     Operating Officer of the Company.


William B. Doeren - 50

     Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of General Cinema
     Theatres, Inc. since October 1995; Chief Executive Officer of MGM
     International Cinemas from January 1993 until August 1995; Senior Vice
     President and Chief Operating Officer of AMC Entertainment Inc. prior
     thereto.


G. Gail Edwards  - 41

     Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since July 1996;
     Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Delaware North Companies,
     Incorporated, a private holding company, prior thereto.


Philip J. Szabla  - 42

     Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company since December
     1996; Member of the law firm of Albrecht, Maguire, Heffern & Gregg, P.C.
     prior thereto.

ITEM 11.       EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     The response to this Item is contained in the Proxy Statement under the
captions "Directors' Compensation," "Executive Compensation" and "Transactions
Involving Management" and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.       SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

     The response to this Item is contained in the Proxy Statement under the
caption "Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" and is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13.       CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

     The response to this Item is contained in the Proxy Statement under the 
captions

                                       11
<PAGE>   14
"Executive Compensation" and "Transactions Involving Management" and is
incorporated herein by reference.

                                     PART IV

ITEM 14.       EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS
               ON FORM 8-K

14(A)(1)       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     The documents listed below which are contained in the Company's 1996 Annual
     Report to Stockholders are incorporated by reference into this Item 14 and
     into Item 8 hereof:

               Consolidated Balance Sheets - October 31, 1996 and 1995.

               Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the fiscal years ended
               October 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.

               Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended
               October 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.

               Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the fiscal
               years ended October 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.

               Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

               Independent Auditors' Report.

14(A)(2)       CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

     All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable regulations of
     the Securities and Exchange Commission have been omitted because the
     information is disclosed in the Consolidated Financial Statements or
     because such schedules are not required or are not applicable.

14(A)(3)       EXHIBITS

     The exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed in
     the Exhibit Index immediately preceding the exhibits. The Company has
     identified with an asterisk (*) in the Exhibit Index each management
     contract and compensation plan filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on
     Form 10-K in response to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.

                                       12
<PAGE>   15
14(B)          REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

     The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the quarter ended
     October 31, 1996.

14(C)          EXHIBITS

     See Item 14(a)(3) above.

                                       13
<PAGE>   16
                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated:  January 24, 1997               GC COMPANIES, INC.



                                       By:    s/ Richard A. Smith
                                            -----------------------------------
                                              Richard A. Smith, Chairman and
                                                 Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the following capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Signature                              Title                                Date
  ---------                              -----                                ----
<S>                                      <C>                              <C> 
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER:

 s/ Richard A. Smith                     Chairman and Chief               January 24, 1997
- -------------------------
Richard A. Smith                         Executive Officer

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER AND
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER:

 s/ G. Gail Edwards                      Vice President, Chief            January 24, 1997
- -------------------------
G. Gail Edwards                          Financial Officer and
                                         Treasurer
</TABLE>

                                       14
<PAGE>   17
DIRECTORS:

 s/ William L. Brown
- -----------------------------
  William L. Brown                                 January 24, 1997

 s/ Peter C. Read                                  January 24, 1997
- -----------------------------
Peter C. Read

 s/ Richard A. Smith                               January 24, 1997
- ----------------------------
Richard A. Smith

 s/ Francis E. Sutherby                            January 24, 1997
- ---------------------------
Francis E. Sutherby

                                       15
<PAGE>   18
                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

                               Document                              

3.1      Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, incorporated
         herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Annual Report on
         Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1994.

3.2      Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company, incorporated herein by
         reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Annual Report of Form 10-K
         for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995.

4.1      Form of Stock Certificate of the Company's Common Stock, incorporated
         herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company's Registration
         Statement on Form 10, as amended.

4.2      Smith-Lurie/Marks Stockholders' Agreement Re GC Companies, Inc., dated
         as of December 15, 1993, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
         4.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
         ended October 31, 1994.

10.1     Distribution Agreement, dated as of December 14, 1993, between Harcourt
         General, Inc. and the Company, incorporated herein by reference to
         Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
         year ended October 31, 1994.

10.2     Reimbursement and Security Agreement ("Reimbursement and Security
         Agreement"), dated as of December 14, 1993, between Harcourt General,
         Inc. and the Company, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2
         to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
         October 31, 1994.

10.3     First Amendment to Reimbursement and Security Agreement, dated as of
         September 29, 1994, between Harcourt General, Inc. and the Company,
         incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's
         Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1994.

                                       16
<PAGE>   19
10.4     Intercompany Services Agreement, dated as of December 14,1993, between
         Harcourt General, Inc. and the Company, incorporated herein by
         reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
         for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1994.

10.5     Amended and Restated Intercompany Services Agreement, dated as of
         November 1, 1995, between Harcourt General, Inc. and the Company,
         incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's
         Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995.

10.6     Tax Agreement, dated as of December 14, 1993, between Harcourt General,
         Inc. and the Company, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6
         to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
         October 31, 1994.

10.7*    GC Companies, Inc. 1993 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by
         reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Registration Statement on
         Form 10, as amended.

10.8*    GC Companies, Inc. Retirement Plan, effective December 2, 1993,
         incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's
         Registration Statement on Form 10, as amended.

10.9*    GC Companies, Inc, Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective
         December 1, 1993, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to
         the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10, as amended.

10.10*   GC Companies, Inc, Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan, effective
         December 1, 1993, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to
         the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10, as amended.

10.11*   GC Companies, Inc. Key Executive Stock Purchase Loan Plan, incorporated
         herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Registration
         Statement on Form 10, as amended.

                                       17
<PAGE>   20
10.12*   Agreement, dated as of December 14, 1993, between Paul R. Del Rossi and
         the Company, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the
         Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October
         31, 1994.

10.13*   Termination Agreement dated as of August 17, 1995 between William B.
         Doeren and the Company.

10.14    Master Lease Agreement dated as of November 21, 1996 between General
         Electric Capital Corporation, for itself and as agent for certain
         participants and General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

11.1     Statement regarding computation of per share earnings.

13.1     1996 Annual Report to Stockholders (which is not deemed to be filed
         except to the extent that portions thereof are expressly incorporated
         by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

21.1     Subsidiaries of the Company.

23.1     Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

27.1     Financial Data Schedule

- --------------------------
*  Exhibits filed pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.

                                       18



<PAGE>   1
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.13
TERMINATION AGREEMENT

1. This is a Termination Agreement between William Doeren (the "Executive") and
GC Companies, Inc. ("GCX" or the "Company"). Beginning September 18, 1995, the
Executive will be employed "at-will" as the Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer of the General Cinema Theatres division of the Company, and
either the Executive or the Company may terminate the Executive's employment at
any time, with or without notice, for any reason.

2. Notwithstanding the at-will relationship, the Company is willing to enter
into this Termination Agreement.

3. Between September 18, 1995 and September 19, 2000, while the Executive is
employed at-will, if the Company terminates the Executive's employment other
than "for cause" or other than due to "total disability" or death, or if the
Executive voluntarily terminates his own employment due to a "change in control"
of the Company, then, subject to the limitations of paragraph 5 below, the
Company agrees to provide the Executive a termination package consisting of an
amount equivalent to his then-current, one year base salary, which amount would
be paid in 12 regular, monthly installments following such termination.

4. If the Executive's employment with the Company ceases in a manner which
entitles him to the payments set forth in paragraph 4, the Company's payment
obligation to the executive may be reduced as follows:

         If the Executive is or becomes engaged in employment (including
         contract employment or self employment) of any kind during the period
         beginning six months after and ending 12 months after the Executive's
         voluntary or involuntary termination, then any payment obligations of
         the Company during that six month period will be reduced
         dollar-for-dollar by the amount the Executive earns through such
         employment. In this regard, the Executive agrees that, as a condition
         of receiving any payments under this Agreement, he shall inform the
         Company, as to the details of his post-termination employment
         activities. The Company may withhold any amounts payable until he
         provides such information.

5. For the purpose of determining the Executive's eligibility for the
termination package set forth in this Termination Agreement:

                  a. "For cause" means that, in the reasonable judgement of the
                  Company, the Executive:

                           (1) failed to devote his full time, loyalty, best
                           efforts, skills, knowledge and ability to the 
                           performance of his duties;

                           (2) committed an act of malfeasance or failed to
                           render services exclusively to the Company; or,
<PAGE>   2
                           (3) engaged in conduct detrimental to the best
                           interests of the Company.

                  b.       "Total disability" means that, in the judgement of
                  the Company, the Executive is unable to perform his duties
                  for: (i) 45 consecutive business days or (ii) for a total of
                  90 business days during any nine-month period.

                  c.       "Change of control" shall have the meaning set
                  forth in the GC Companies, Inc. Revolving Credit Agreement
                  with The Bank of Nova Scotia and The First National Bank of
                  Boston dated March 24, 1994.

6. During that period of the Executive's at-will employment, which begins
September 18, 1995, and ends September 19, 2000, payment by the Company of the
termination package set forth in paragraph 4 constitutes full satisfaction of
all Company financial obligations to the Executive (if any) which arise from or
relate in any way to the termination of the Executive's employment. However,
nothing in this paragraph 7 is intended to affect any earned, vested rights that
the Executive may have under the applicable provisions of: (i) any life
insurance policy or plan (group or otherwise) maintained for the Executive by
the Company or (ii) any other "employee benefit pension plan," as defined by
Section 3 of ERISA, then in effect and in which the Executive is participating
under the terms of such plan.

7. The invalidity of all or any part of a provision of any section of this
Termination Agreement will not render invalid the remainder of this Termination
Agreement or the remainder of such sections or any other of its provisions.

8. This Termination Agreement contains the entire agreement and supersedes all
prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, between the parties hereto
with respect to the termination of the Executive's at-will employment and to the
subject matter of the Termination Agreement. The Termination Agreement may not
be changed orally. It may be changed only by written agreement signed by the
party against whom any waiver, charge amendment, modification or discharge is
sought.

9. This Termination Agreement will be construed as to both validity and
performance and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws
thereof. Please sign below in formal acceptance of the Executive Vice President
and Chief Operating Officer position and in agreement with the terms and
conditions of employment, including your relocation offer, and return this
letter to Dan Stravinski within seven days of receipt. An extra copy is enclosed
for your records. In the interim, should you have any questions about this offer
or the Company, please do not hesitate to contact me.

                                                            Sincerely,

                                                            Paul R. Del Rossi
                                                            President
<PAGE>   3
Agreed and accepted:

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
William Doeren                                                   Date

DEFINITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH "CHANGE IN CONTROL" AS REFERENCED IN OFFER LETTER TO
WILLIAM DOEREN DATED AUGUST 17, 1995:

Change of Control - The occurrence of any event whereby any Person (other than a
member of the Smith Family Group), together with "affiliates" and "associates"
of such Person, within the meaning of Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, shall
become the beneficial owner within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act
of more voting stock or total equity capital of the Company than the
beneficially owned by the Smith Family Group if such Person together with such
"affiliates" and "associates" is also the beneficial owner within the meaning of
Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act of at least 15% of either the voting stock or
total equity capital of the Company.

Exchange Act - The Federal Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (or any successor
statute) and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all as from time
to time in effect.

Person - Any present or future natural person or any corporation, association,
partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, company, business trust, trust,
organization, business or government or any governmental agency or political
subdivision thereof.

Smith Family Group - The group of Persons originally party to the
Smith-Lurie/Marks Stockholders Agreement pertaining to the stock of the Company
dated as of the date of consummation of the Spinoff (whether or not such
agreement is terminated) and the progeny of each such Person.

Spinoff - The transactions by which all of the shares of stock of the Company
were distributed to the shareholders of Harcourt General and the Company became
a publicly-owned corporation.



<PAGE>   1
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT

                                   Dated as of

                                November 21, 1996

                                     Between

                      GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION,
                FOR ITSELF AND AS AGENT FOR CERTAIN PARTICIPANTS,

                                                                          Lessor

                                       and

                          GENERAL CINEMA THEATRES, INC.

                                                                          Lessee

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>   2
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

                             MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   Page

<S>                                                                                                 <C>
I.       LEASING.....................................................................................1

II.      TERM, RENT AND PAYMENT......................................................................4

III.     TAXES.......................................................................................4

IV.      REPORTS.....................................................................................4

V.       DELIVERY, USE AND OPERATION.................................................................5

VI.      SERVICE.....................................................................................6

VII.     STIPULATED LOSS VALUE.......................................................................7

VIII.    LOSS OR DAMAGE..............................................................................8

IX.      INSURANCE...................................................................................8

X.       RETURN OF EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS..............................................9

XI:      FINANCIAL COVENANTS........................................................................10

XII.     DEFAULT....................................................................................10

XIII.    ASSIGNMENT.................................................................................11

XIV.     NET LEASE; NO SET-OFF, ETC.................................................................12

XV.      INDEMNIFICATION............................................................................12

XVI.     DISCLAIMER.................................................................................13

XVII.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LESSEE...................................................14

XVIII.   OWNERSHIP FOR TAX PURPOSES; GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST; USURY SAVINGS......................15

XIX      END OF LEASE OPTIONS.......................................................................16

         (a)      Renewal...........................................................................16
         (b)      Return............................................................................16
         (c)      Purchase..........................................................................17
         (d)      Extension.........................................................................17
         (e)      Notice of Election................................................................18
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                              <C>
XX.      MISCELLANEOUS...........................................................................................18

XXI:     CHOICE OF LAW; JURISDICTION.............................................................................20

XXII:    CHATTEL PAPER...........................................................................................20

XXIII:   EARLY TERMINATION.......................................................................................20
</TABLE>

EXHIBIT NO. 1 -  EQUIPMENT SCHEDULE
         ANNEX A - DESCRIPTION OF EQUIPMENT
         ANNEX B - BILL OF SALE FORMS
         ANNEX C - CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE
         ANNEX D - STIPULATED LOSS VALUE TABLE
         ANNEX E - AMORTIZATION SCHEDULE
         ANNEX F - RETURN PROVISIONS

EXHIBIT NO. 2 - ESTOPPEL/WAIVER AGREEMENT

EXHIBIT NO. 3 - COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT OF GROUND LEASE

EXHIBIT NO. 4 - LANDLORD'S WAIVER & CONSENT FORM

EXHIBIT NO. 5 - LEASE OPTION AGREEMENT

EXHIBIT NO. 6 - FINANCIAL COVENANTS PRIOR TO RELEASE OF GUARANTOR

EXHIBIT NO. 7.  FINANCIAL COVENANTS AFTER RELEASE OF GUARANTOR

EXHIBIT NO. 8 - FORM OF MASTER SUBLEASE
<PAGE>   4
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

                             MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT

         THIS MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT, dated as of November 21, 1996
("AGREEMENT"), between GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, FOR ITSELF AND AS
AGENT FOR CERTAIN PARTICIPANTS, with an office at 4 Northpark Drive, Suite 500,
Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030 (hereinafter called, together with its successors
and assigns, if any, "LESSOR"), and GENERAL CINEMA THEATRES, INC., a
Massachusetts corporation with its mailing address and chief place of business
at 1280 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02167 (hereinafter called
"LESSEE").

                                   WITNESSETH:

I.       LEASING:

         (a) This Agreement shall be effective from and after the date of
execution hereof. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, Lessor
will (i) acquire and/or construct and lease to Lessee certain leasehold
improvements (collectively, the "LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS") located on real
property owned by Lessee or one or more wholly-owned subsidiary (each a
"Subsidiary") or leased by the Lessee or a Subsidiary pursuant to ground leases
(collectively, the "GROUND LEASES") and (ii) acquire and lease to the Lessee
certain items of equipment (the "EQUIPMENT") pursuant to schedules (each a
"SCHEDULE") incorporating the terms of this Agreement, in substantially the form
attached hereto as Exhibit 1. The Leasehold Improvements shall be constructed
only at those locations at which the Equipment will be installed and operated by
Lessee or its Subsidiary as a "General Cinema Theater". The Equipment and the
Leasehold Improvements are sometimes hereinafter called collectively the "Lease
Assets." The Lessor shall acquire and lease to the Lessee only such Lease Assets
as are, or shall from time to time be, described in Annex A to any Schedule
hereto. Terms defined in a Schedule and not otherwise defined herein shall have
the meanings ascribed to them in such Schedule.

         (b) Lessor and Lessee have previously entered into that certain Agency
Agreement dated as of November 15, 1996 (the "AGENCY AGREEMENT") pursuant to
which Lessor appointed Lessee as its agent to acquire and pay for on behalf of
Lessor, Lease Assets in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agency
Agreement.

         (c) The obligation of Lessor to lease Leasehold Improvements and
Equipment to Lessee under any Schedule shall be subject to receipt by Lessor,
prior to the Lease Commencement Date, of each of the following documents in form
and substance satisfactory to Lessor:

         (i) a Schedule relating to the Lease Assets then to be leased
thereunder,

         (ii) evidence of insurance which complies with the requirements of
Section IX,

         (iii) a Bill of Sale executed by Lessee or other vendor with respect to
the Equipment, in favor of Lessor, in the form of Annex B-1 or B-2, as
applicable, to the applicable Schedule,

         (iv) an Estoppel/Waiver Agreement (each an "ESTOPPEL/WAIVER AGREEMENT")
in substantially the


                                        1
<PAGE>   5
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

form of Exhibit 2 attached hereto from the landlord and/or mortgagee (if any)
with respect to those locations at which Lease Assets are located which are not
subject to Ground Leases, or an opinion of counsel (satisfactory to Lessor),

         (v) a certificate of an authorized officer of Lessee stating that such
officer has reviewed the activities of Lessee and that, to the best of such
officer's knowledge and without personal liability, Lessee is not in default
under this Agreement, and there exists no Default (as hereinafter defined) or
event which, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time (or both), would
become such a Default,

         (vi) such Uniform Commercial Code Financing Statements, or Statements
of Termination, Release or Partial Release with respect to the Equipment as
Lessor reasonably may require,

         (vii) evidence of Lessee's title or leasehold interest in any real
estate ("Real Estate") upon which Leasehold Improvements have been constructed,
which shall be (1) for any owned land, a copy of an owner's title insurance
policy, (together with, if required by Lessor, a mortgagee's policy covering the
Lessor's interest in such land, which policy shall be in form and substance
satisfactory to the Lessor in all respects), or (2) for leased land, a copy of
the applicable Ground Lease, which Ground Lease shall expressly (a) permit a
collateral assignment to, and re-assignment by, the Lessor, (b) provide for an
initial lease term of not less than 20 years, and (c) otherwise be in form and
content satisfactory to the Lessor in all material respects,

         (viii) a title insurance policy (which shall be an ALTA policy in all
states in which such policies are available) issued by a title insurance company
acceptable to the Lessor, which policy shall (a) insure that the Lessee has an
ownership or leasehold interest in the Real Estate free and clear of all liens
and encumbrances, (b) be accompanied by copies of all documents relating to any
proposed exceptions, (d) contain no exceptions objectionable to the Lessor, (e)
if required by Lessor, insure the Lessor's lien upon Lessee's fee or leasehold
estate, and (f) otherwise be in form and substance satisfactory to the Lessor in
its discretion,

         (x) a certificate from Lessee or Lessee's architect or engineer of
zoning compliance, copies of a use and occupancy permit or temporary use and
occupancy permit, along with evidence that Lessee is diligently correcting and
conditions which would delay or hinder the process of obtaining a permanent use
and occupancy permit and all other necessary permits or governmental approvals,
and evidence reasonably satisfactory to Lessor of completion of the construction
of the Leasehold Improvements and the installation of the Equipment on the Real
Estate such that the Real Estate is suitable for operation by Lessee as a
General Cinemas Theater,

         (xi) evidence that the Leasehold Improvements, as constructed, comply
in all material respects with the requirements of any applicable Ground Lease,

         (xii) a Phase I environmental audit (and such further environmental
audits or evidence of the absence of hazardous wastes as the Lessor shall deem
necessary), which audits must be satisfactory in the Lessor's sole discretion as
to form and substance),

         (xiii) if required by Lessor, an appraisal of any Leasehold
Improvements, satisfactory to the Lessor in all material respects, reflecting,
among other things, that the schedule of payments to be made in connection with
the Lessee's leasehold improvements is not be more than the then current


                                        2
<PAGE>   6
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

fair market value of such leasehold improvements (as determined to the
reasonable satisfaction of Lessor),

         (xiv) if required by the Lessor, a current survey certified to the
Lessor and the title company, prepared by a registered land surveyor or engineer
reasonably satisfactory to the Lessor, and showing (a) the location on the Real
Estate of all Leasehold Improvements and established building setback lines, (b)
the boundary lines of such Real Estate, (c) all access and other easements
appurtenant to such Real Estate or necessary for the use of the Leasehold
Improvements, (d) all roadways, driveways, easements, encroachments and
overhanging projections and similar encumbrances affecting the Real Estate,
whether recorded or apparent from a physical inspection of the Real Estate, (e)
any encroachments on any adjoining property by the Leasehold Improvements, (f) a
metes and bounds legal description of the Real Estate, and (g) such other items
as may be reasonably required by the Lender. Such survey shall be certified to
the Lessor and the Title Company, shall not reflect any matters which would have
a material adverse effect on the operation of a theater upon the Real Estate,
and shall otherwise be in form and substance satisfactory to the Lessor in all
material respects,

         (xv) in the case of Real Estate owned by Lessee in fee, a license or
real estate lease in form satisfactory to Lessee and Lessor making such Real
Estate available to Lessor for a term substantially coterminous with the term of
any applicable Schedule (including any renewals), and a Mortgage or Deed of
Trust (each a "Mortgage") in form satisfactory to Lessor and Lessee, and in the
case of Real Estate held under a Ground Lease, a collateral assignment of the
applicable Ground Lease (each a "COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT OF LEASE"), substantially
in the form of Exhibit 3 attached hereto.

         (xvi) a Landlord's Waiver and Consent to Assignment of Lease, in
substantially the form of Exhibit 4 attached hereto, duly executed by the
landlord of any Real Estate held under a Ground Lease, or evidence satisfactory
to Lessor in all respects that the Ground Lease expressly permits the collateral
assignment of the Ground Lease to Lessor, gives the Lessor appropriate notice
and cure rights, and permits the assignment of the Ground Lease by the Lessor
without further consent from or notice to the landlord.,

         (xvii) Such additional waivers and acknowledgments from the Landlord of
any Real Estate held under a Ground Lease as the Lessor shall reasonably
request,

         (xviii) Evidence that all real estate taxes on the Leasehold
Improvements which are then due and payable have been paid,

         (xix) Lien waivers signed by the general contractor and all major
subcontractors and suppliers for all work done and materials furnished in
connection with the construction of the Leasehold Improvements and the
installation of the Equipment therein (each a "Supplier"),

         (xx) a copy of the plans and specifications pursuant to which the
Leasehold Improvements were constructed, and a certification by the Lessee's
architect that, in his professional judgment, the Leasehold Improvements were
completed substantially in conformity with such plans and specifications, and in
accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and all applicable building
codes and regulations,


                                        3
<PAGE>   7
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14


         (xxi) a mortgagee's consent and waiver from any mortgagee of the Real
Estate upon which the Leasehold Improvements are constructed, unless such
mortgagee has executed and delivered a Subordination and Non-Disturbance
Agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Lessor in all respects.,

         (xxii) an opinion of counsel for Lessee and GC Companies, Inc. (the
"GUARANTOR") in form and substance satisfactory to Lessor,

         (xxiii) Lessee's and Guarantor's Board of Director resolutions
certified by the Secretary of Lessee or Guarantors as applicable,

         (xxiv) an Affidavit of ownership with respect to the applicable
Equipment,

         (xxv) a certification from the Lessee's engineer that the Leasehold
Improvements, as constructed, comply with all applicable zoning and land use
laws;

         (xxvi) with respect to any property owned in fee, a Lease Option
Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit 5 attached hereto;

         (xxvii) if the Lease Assets are described on the applicable Schedule
are to be subleased to a Subsidiary pursuant to Section XIII, hereof, the
chattel paper original of the Sublease (as hereinafter defined) and of the
applicable Sublease Schedule, together with an opinion of counsel for such
Subsidiary, a certified resolution with respect to such Subsidiary, evidence of
insurance on behalf of such Subsidiary which complies with the provisions hereof
(provided that the foregoing, other than the original Sublease Schedule, need
only be delivered on the date the applicable Sublease is executed), an Affidavit
of Ownership with respect to the Lease Assets, and Uniform Commercial Code
Financing Statements, all as reasonably required by Lessor; and

         (xxviii) such other documents as Lessor reasonably may request.

          Simultaneously with the execution of the first Bill of Sale, and
thereafter, Lease schedules shall be funded not more than once during each of
Lessee's fiscal quarters and shall be in minimum amounts of not less than
$4,000,000; provided, however, that in the event that Lessee receives funding
for Lease Assets located at a particular location, invoices and paperwork (as
described in Section I (c) hereof) must be provided, and the funding for the
remaining Lease Assets at such location (each a "SECONDARY FUNDING") must be
made within ninety (90) days after such funding. At the time of each funding,
Lessee shall execute a Certificate of Acceptance, in the form of Annex C to the
applicable Schedule, covering all of the Equipment and/or Leasehold Improvements
described in the Bill of Sale or delivered to Lessee, during the preceding
quarter, as applicable. Upon execution by Lessee of any Certificate of
Acceptance, the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements described thereon shall be
deemed to have been delivered to, and irrevocably accepted by, Lessee for lease
hereunder.

II.      TERM, RENT AND PAYMENT:

         (a) The rent payable under any Schedule (the "RENT") shall be set forth
in such Schedule in accordance with the Commitment Letter of Lessor and Lessee
dated October 22, 1996 (the 



                                        4
<PAGE>   8
GC COMPANIES, INC.

EXHIBIT 10.14

"Commitment Letter"), and Lessee's obligation to pay Rent and and Lessee's right
to use the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements shall commence on the date of
execution by Lessee of the Certificate of Acceptance for such Equipment and
Leasehold Improvements ("LEASE COMMENCEMENT DATE"). The Term of each leasing
transaction pursuant to this Agreement (the "TERM") shall be the period
specified in the applicable Schedule. For Equipment, the basic term shall be
four (4) years, and for Leasehold Improvements the basic term shall be six (6)
years; provided, however, that schedules for Equipment and Leasehold
Improvements under any Secondary Funding shall have the same term as schedules
for Equipment or Leasehold Improvements (as applicable) under the prior funding
for such location. If any Term is extended, the word "Term" shall be deemed to
refer to all extended terms, and all provisions of this Agreement shall apply
during any extended terms, except as may be otherwise specifically provided in
writing.

         (b) Rent shall be paid to Lessor by wire transfer of immediately
available funds to: Bankers Trust New York, New York, New York 10006, Account
No. 50-202-962, ABA No. 021-001-033, or to such other account as Lessor may
direct in writing; and shall be effective upon receipt. Payments of Rent shall
be in the amount set forth in, and due in accordance with, the provisions of the
applicable Schedule. In no event shall any Rent payments be refunded to Lessee,
subject to adjustment for inadvertent overpayment. If Rent is not paid within
ten days of its due date, Lessee agrees to pay a late charge of Five Cents
($0.05) per dollar on, and in addition to, the amount of such Rent but not
exceeding the lawful maximum, if any.

III.     TAXES:

         Lessee shall have no liability for taxes imposed by the United States
of America or any State or political subdivision thereof which are on or
measured by the net income of Lessor. Lessee shall report (to the extent that it
is legally permissible) and pay promptly all other taxes, fees and assessments
due, imposed, assessed or levied against any Equipment or Leasehold Improvements
(or the purchase, ownership, delivery, leasing, possession, use or operation
thereof), this Agreement (or any rentals or receipts hereunder), any Schedule,
Lessor or Lessee by any foreign, Federal, state or local government or taxing
authority during or related to the term of this Agreement, including, without
limitation, all license and registration fees, and all sales, use, personal
property, real property, excise, gross receipts, franchise, stamp or other
taxes, imposts, duties and charges, together with any penalties, fines or
interest thereon (all hereinafter called "TAXES"). Lessee shall (i) reimburse
Lessor upon receipt of written request for reimbursement for any Taxes charged
to or assessed against Lessor, (ii) on request of Lessor, submit to Lessor
written evidence of Lessee's payment of Taxes, (iii) on all reports or returns
show the ownership of the Equipment or Leasehold Improvements by Lessee, and
(iv) send a copy thereof to Lessor.

IV.      REPORTS:

         (a) Lessee will notify Lessor in writing, within ten (10) days after
receiving notice that any tax or other lien has attached to any Equipment or
Leasehold Improvements, of the full particulars thereof and, if applicable, of
the location of such Equipment on the date of such notification.

         (b) Lessee will deliver to Lessor, within ninety (90) days of the close
of each fiscal year of 


                                        5
<PAGE>   9
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

Guarantor, Guarantor's balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and statement
of income and cash flows, prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles ("GAAP") consistently applied, certified by a recognized
firm of certified public accountants, together with Guarantor's Form 10K filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Lessee will deliver to
Lessor quarterly, within ninety (90) days of the close of each fiscal quarter of
Guarantor, in reasonable detail, copies of Guarantor's quarterly financial
report certified by the chief financial officer of Guarantor, together with
Guarantor's Form 10Q filed with the SEC. The annual and quarterly financial
statements of Guarantor shall be accompanied by consolidating financial
statements as to the Guarantor and Lessee. In the event that Lessee achieves the
benchmarks set forth in the Commitment Letter and the Guarantor is released from
liability on its guaranty, Lessee shall thereafter furnish Lessor, within the
time limits and meeting the requirements set forth above, annual audited
financial statements and quarterly financial statements certified by Lessee's
chief financial officer.

         (c) Lessee will permit Lessor to inspect any Equipment during normal
business hours upon reasonable notice.

         (d) Subject to Lessee's rights under Section V(f), Lessee will keep the
Equipment at the equipment location (specified in the applicable Schedule)
within the Continental United States, provided that Lessee shall promptly (and
not later than 60 days) notify Lessor of any relocation of Equipment. Upon the
written request of Lessor, Lessee will notify Lessor forthwith in writing of the
location of any Equipment as of the date of such notification.

         (e) Lessee will promptly and fully report to Lessor in writing if any
Equipment or Leasehold Improvement is lost or damaged (where the estimated
repair costs would exceed $50,000 ) or is otherwise involved in an accident
causing personal injury or property damage where the estimated damages are more
than $50,000.

         (f) Within thirty (30) days after any request by Lessor, Lessee will
furnish a certificate of an authorized officer of Lessee stating that he has
reviewed the activities of Lessee and that, to the best of his knowledge, there
exists no Default or event which, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time
(or both), would become such a Default.

         (g) Lessee shall promptly (a) notify Lessor of any default under any
Ground Lease, and (b) give Lessor copies of any notices received by Lessee from
the landlord under any Ground Lease.

V.       DELIVERY, USE AND OPERATION:

         (a) All Equipment shall be shipped directly from the Supplier to
Lessee.

         (b) All Leasehold Improvements shall be constructed pursuant to the
Agency Agreement dated November 15, 1996 between the Lessor and the Lessee (as
amended from time to time, the "Agency Agreement").

         (c) Lessee agrees that the Lease Assets, will be used by Lessee solely
in the conduct of its business and in a manner complying in all material
respects with all applicable Federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and
any applicable insurance policies, and Lessee shall not discontinue use and
operation of the Equipment and the Leasehold Improvements, subject to Lessee's
early 



                                        6
<PAGE>   10
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14


termination rights set forth below.

         (c) Lessee will keep the Lease Assets free and clear of all liens and
encumbrances other than (1) those which result from acts of Lessor or otherwise
approved by Lessor, and (2) those arising from the rights and interest of Lessee
in any Sublease which has been assigned to Lessor..

         (d) Lessee shall comply with each and every covenant, term and
condition of each Ground Lease, subject to applicable notice and cure periods,
if any.

         (e) Lease Assets shall be used or kept only in locations ("Lease Assets
Locations") in the United States, Canada, or such other countries as shall be
approved by Lessor on a case-by-case basis.

         (f) Provided that no Default (as hereinafter defined) shall then have
occurred and be continuing, at Lessee's expense, upon thirty days' prior written
notice to Lessor, Lessee may elect to replace a unit of Equipment (a
"SUBSTITUTED ITEM") with a new unit of Equipment (a "REPLACEMENT ITEM");
provided, however, that no such written notice shall be necessary prior to the
temporary replacement of a unit of Equipment, so long as (a) the temporary
replacement of such unit of Equipment is necessary for the operation of a
theater, (b) the total value of all units so replaced during any quarter does
not exceed $100,000, and (c) within thirty days after the temporary replacement
of a unit of Equipment, Lessee shall either resume use of the original unit of
Equipment, or replace the original unit of Equipment with a Replacement Item
meeting all of the requirements for Replacement Items set forth herein . Each
Replacement Item shall be free and clear of all liens and encumbrances other
than those approved by Lessor in writing and shall have at least the value,
utility and remaining useful life and be in as good an operating condition as
the Substituted Item, assuming that the Substituted Item had been maintained in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Replacements pursuant hereto
shall be limited to not more than $100,000 during any quarter, and at the end of
each such quarter, Lessee shall execute and deliver to Lessor a Bill of Sale and
an amended Annex A to the applicable Equipment Schedule with respect to each
Replacement Item acquired during such quarter, together with such documents and
instruments as reasonably may be required by Lessor in connection with such
replacement, including (without limitation) Uniform Commercial Code financing
statements to be filed at Lessee's expense. Upon compliance by Lessee with the
provisions hereof, Lessor will transfer to Lessee, on an AS IS, WHERE IS BASIS,
without recourse or warranty, express or implied, of any kind whatsoever, all of
Lessor's interest in and to the Equipment. Lessor shall not be required to make
and may specifically disclaim any representation or warranty as to the condition
of the Equipment and any other matters (except that Lessor shall warrant that it
conveyed whatever interest it received in such Equipment free and clear of any
lien or encumbrance created by or through Lessor). Lessor shall execute and
deliver to Lessee such Uniform Commercial Code statements of termination as
reasonably may be required in order to terminate any interest of Lessor in and
to such Equipment.

         (g) In addition to, and apart from, any rights and obligations Lessee
may have under Subsection (f) above, if Lessee desires to close a theater at a
particular Lease Assets Location, then Lessee may, with the prior written
consent of Lessor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, elect to
substitute for all of the Lease Assets at such Lease Assets Location (including
Leasehold Improvements and all Equipment at such location), Leasehold
Improvements and Equipment to be used at a new Lease Assets Location, which
Leasehold Improvements and 



                                        7
<PAGE>   11
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14


Equipment must have a value (as determined to the reasonable satisfaction of
Lessor) equal to or greater than the replaced Lease Assets, provided that the
acquisition of such substituted Leasehold Improvements satisfies the conditions
for acquisition of the original Leasehold Improvements so replaced, the
replacement of the Equipment located at such Lease Assets Location shall
otherwise meet the requirements of subsection (f) above, and Lessee shall be
responsible for all costs and expenses incurred by Lessor in connection with
such substitution. In connection with any such substitution, Lessee shall
execute and deliver, or shall cause to be executed and delivered, to Lessor a
copy of the applicable deed or Ground Lease, Collateral Assignment of Lease,
Landlord's Waiver, Estoppel/Waiver Agreement (all as applicable), and an amended
Annex A to the applicable Schedules with respect to all of the replaced Lease
Assets, together with such documents and instruments as reasonably may be
required by Lessor in connection with such replacement, including (without
limitation) title insurance policies, environmental audits, surveys, Uniform
Commercial Code financing statements and mortgage documents, if applicable, to
be filed at Lessee's expense, all of such documents and instruments to be in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lessor. Upon compliance by Lessee
with the provisions hereof, Lessor will transfer to Lessee, on an AS IS BASIS
(as hereinafter defined), without recourse or warranty, express or implied, of
any kind whatsoever, all of Lessor's interest in and to the replaced Leasehold
Improvements. Lessor shall not be required to make and may specifically disclaim
any representation or warranty as to the condition of the replaced Leasehold
Improvements and any other matters (except that Lessor shall warrant that it
conveyed whatever interest it received in such replaced Leasehold improvements
free and clear of any lien or encumbrance created by or through Lessor). Lessor
shall execute and deliver to Lessee such Uniform Commercial Code statements of
termination, releases of Collateral Assignments of Leases, releases of
Mortgages, and other documents and instruments, as reasonably may be required in
order to terminate any interest of Lessor in and such replaced Leasehold
Improvements.

VI.      SERVICE:

         (a) Lessee will, at its sole expense, maintain all Leasehold
Improvements in good operating condition, order, repair and appearance and shall
maintain each unit of Equipment in good operating order, repair, condition and
appearance in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations, normal wear and
tear excepted. Lessee shall, if at any time reasonably requested by Lessor,
affix in a prominent position on each unit of Equipment and Leasehold
Improvement such signs, plates, tags or other identifying labels showing the
interest therein of Lessor.

         (b) Lessee will not, without the prior consent of Lessor, affix or
install any accessory, equipment or device on any Equipment or in any Leasehold
Improvements if such addition will impair the value, originally intended
function or use of such Equipment or Leasehold Improvements. All additions,
repairs, parts, supplies, accessories, equipment, and devices furnished,
attached or affixed to any Equipment or Leasehold Improvements which are not
readily removable shall be made only in compliance with applicable law, shall be
free and clear of all liens, encumbrances or rights of others, and shall become
the property of Lessor. Lessee will not, without the prior written consent of
Lessor and subject to such conditions as Lessor may impose for its protection,
affix or install any Equipment to or in any personal or real property other than
the Leasehold Improvements.

                                        8
<PAGE>   12
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

         (c) Any alterations or modifications to the Equipment or Leasehold
Improvements that may, at any time during the term of this Agreement, be
required to comply with any applicable law, rule or regulation shall be made at
the expense of Lessee.

VII.     STIPULATED LOSS VALUE:

         Lessee shall promptly and fully notify Lessor in writing if any
Leasehold Improvement or unit of Equipment shall be or become worn out, lost,
stolen, destroyed, irreparably damaged in the reasonable determination of
Lessee, or permanently rendered unfit for use from any cause whatsoever (such
occurrences being hereinafter called "CASUALTY OCCURRENCES").

         (a) With respect to any Unit of Equipment which is so lost, damaged or
destroyed (so long as the Leasehold Improvements upon which such Equipment is
installed have not also been damaged or destroyed), on the Rental Payment Date
next succeeding a Casualty Occurrence (the "PAYMENT DATE"), Lessee shall either
(as selected by Lessee):

                  (i) replace the unit of Equipment having suffered the Casualty
Occurrence in accordance with the provisions of Section V(f) hereof; or

                  (ii) pay Lessor the sum of (x) the Stipulated Loss Value of
such unit calculated in accordance with Annex D as of the Rent Payment Date next
preceding such Casualty Occurrence ("CALCULATION DATE"); and (y) all rental and
other amounts which are due hereunder as of the Payment Date. Upon payment of
all sums due hereunder, the Term of the Schedule for such unit shall terminate
and (except in the case of the loss, theft or complete destruction of such unit)
Lessor shall reconvey to Lessee Lessor's interest in such unit, and Lessee shall
be entitled to recover possession of such unit..

         (b) With respect to any Leasehold Improvements which are damaged,
destroyed or rendered unfit for use by any Casualty Occurrence, on the Payment
Date, Lessee shall either, at the option of Lessee (provided that all of the
following conditions are met):

                  (i) repair or rebuild such Leasehold Improvements (and replace
any Equipment located thereon in accordance with Section V(f) hereof), subject
to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth; or

                  (ii) pay Lessor the sum of (x) the Stipulated Loss Value of
all Leasehold Improvements on the applicable Schedule, calculated in accordance
with Annex D as of the Calculation Date; and (y) all rental and other amounts
which are due hereunder as of the Payment Date. Upon payment of all sums due
hereunder,, the lease term of the Schedule for such Leasehold Improvements shall
terminate, Lessor shall surrender any real estate license or lease or reassign
any Ground Lease, as applicable, Lessor shall reconvey to Lessee Lessor's
interest in such Leasehold Improvements, and Lessee shall be entitled to recover
possession of such Leasehold Improvements.

         Lessee shall have the option of repairing or rebuilding damaged or
destroyed Leasehold Improvements only if :


                                        9
<PAGE>   13
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14


                  (1) No default has occurred and is continuing hereunder,

                  (2) Such restoration or replacement is permitted by the terms
                  of any applicable Ground Lease,

                  (3) Restoration or replacement of the damaged Leasehold
                  Improvements will not result in any decrease in value or other
                  impairment to the Leasehold Improvements, and

                  (4) The funds available for any restoration or replacement are
sufficient to pay the costs of restoration or replacement of the damaged
Leasehold Improvements.

         If Lessee chooses to repair or rebuild Leasehold Improvements, the
proceeds of any casualty insurance covering such Leasehold Improvements may be
applied to the restoration or replacement of the Leasehold Improvements if all
of the following conditions are met to the satisfaction of the Lessor in its
discretion:

                  (i) The proceeds, and, if deemed necessary by the Lessor,
additional deposits made by the Lessee which may be necessary to restore the
Leasehold Improvements to their condition immediately prior to the damage, shall
be deposited in an escrow account to be held by the Lessor (which shall be
interest-bearing if the amount on deposit is greater than $5,000; provided,
however that Lessor shall not be obligated to obtain interest at the highest
available rate and may obtain interest at a generally available rate payable on
demand accounts).

                  (ii) The Lessee will proceed promptly to restore that part of
the Leasehold Improvements so damaged to substantially the same condition as
existed prior to such damage, with such changes, alterations, and modifications
(including the substitution and addition of other property) as may be desired by
the Lessor, permitted by the applicable Ground Lease, and approved by the Lessor
in its reasonable discretion.

                  (iii) All work with be performed in accordance with all
applicable laws and regulations and in accordance with plans and specifications
approved by the Lessor in its reasonable discretion.

                  (iv) Lessee will cause withdrawals to be made from the escrow
account to pay the costs of such restoration, as the work progresses, as
certified by an inspecting architect acceptable to the Lessor in all respects,
by submitting to the Lessor such requisitions and accompanying documents as the
Lessor shall reasonably require.

                  (v) Lessee will promptly replace any lost or damaged Equipment
in accordance with the provisions of Section V(f) above.

VIII.    LOSS OR DAMAGE:

         Lessee hereby assumes and shall bear the entire risk of any loss,
theft, damage to, or destruction of, any unit of Equipment and any Leasehold
Improvements from the time the Equipment or Leasehold Improvements are shipped
or delivered to Lessee.



                                       10
<PAGE>   14
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

IX.      INSURANCE:

         Lessee agrees, at its own expense, (a) to keep all Equipment insured
for such amounts as specified in Paragraph D of the applicable Schedule and
against such hazards as Lessor may require, including, but not limited to,
insurance for damage to or loss of such Equipment , with a loss payable clause
in favor of Lessor, as its interest may appear, irrespective of any breach of
warranty or other act or omission of Lessee and (b) to keep all Leasehold
Improvements insured (in amount at least equal to the greater of the replacement
value of such Leasehold Improvements or the Stipulated Loss Value) against such
hazards as the Lessor shall reasonably require, including, but not limited to
loss or damage resulting from fire and other risks insured against by extended
coverage, with a standard Mortgagee's endorsement in favor of the Lessor as its
interests may appear, irrespective of any breach of warranty or act or omission
of Lessee, (3) to maintain liability coverage against personal injuries, death
or property damage, in the amount of at least $10,000,000, with the Lessor named
as additional insured; (4) to maintain a flood insurance policy in an amount
equal to the maximum limit of coverage available if the Leasehold Improvements
are located in a special flood hazard area. Such policies shall have deductibles
of not more than $250,000 per occurrence. All such policies shall be with
companies, and on terms, reasonably satisfactory to Lessor. Lessee agrees to
deliver to Lessor evidence of insurance satisfactory to Lessor. No insurance
shall be subject to any co-insurance clause. Lessee hereby appoints Lessor as
Lessee's attorney-in-fact, to make proof of loss and claim for insurance, and to
make adjustments with insurers and to receive payment of and execute or endorse
all documents, checks or drafts in connection with payments made as a result of
such insurance policies; provided, however, that Lessor shall not exercise such
power of attorney unless a Default shall have occurred and be continuing. Any
expense of Lessor in adjusting or collecting insurance shall be borne by Lessee.
Lessee will not make adjustments with insurers except (i) with respect to claims
for damage to any unit of Equipment where the repair costs do not exceed ten
(10%) of such unit's fair market value, or (ii) with Lessor's written consent.
Said policies shall provide that the insurance may not be altered or canceled by
the insurer until after thirty (30) days written notice to Lessor. Subject to
the provisions of section VII hereof, Lessor may, at its option, apply proceeds
of insurance, in whole or in part, to (i) repair or replace Equipment or any
portion thereof, or (ii) satisfy any obligation of Lessee to Lessor hereunder.

X.       RETURN OF EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS:

         (a) Upon any expiration or termination of this Agreement or any
Schedule, unless Lessee shall have exercised its extension option pursuant to
Section XIX(d) hereof, or its renewal option pursuant to Section XIX(a) hereof,
or its purchase option pursuant to Section XIX(c) hereof, and subject to all of
the terms and conditions of Section XIX (b) hereof and Annex F to the applicable
Schedule relating to the return of Lease Assets, Lessee shall promptly, at its
own cost and expense, and as Lessor determines in its sole discretion: (i)
perform any testing and repairs required to place the affected units of
Equipment or Leasehold Improvements in the condition required by Section V(a)
hereof; (ii) when deinstallation, disassembly or crating is required, cause any
such units of Equipment to be deinstalled, disassembled and crated by an
authorized manufacturer's representative or such other service person as is
satisfactory to Lessor; (iii) return such units of Equipment, free and clear of
all liens and encumbrances, to any location as Lessor shall direct within North
America, (iv) assign the applicable Ground Lease, if any, (by outright

                                       11
<PAGE>   15
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14


assignment) to the Lessor, and (v) make available to Lessor or its nominee an
option to lease any Real Estate owned in fee, pursuant to a lease in
substantially the form of Exhibit 5 attached hereto, for a term equal to the
term of the applicable Schedule, including all renewals, and, so long as no
Default has occurred, for a fair market rental.. If the Lessee returns Lease
Assets and Lessor is unable to sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of such
Lease Assets, Lessor shall have the option to abandon any Real Estate upon which
such Lease Assets are constructed or maintained, and Lessee shall, upon demand
by Lessor, repurchase such Lease Assets and such Real Estate for $1.00.

         (B) Until Lessee has fully complied with the requirements of Paragraph
(a) above, Lessee' Rent payment obligation and all other obligations under this
Agreement shall continue from month to month notwithstanding any expiration or
termination of the Term. Lessor may terminate such continued leasehold interest
upon ten (10) days' written notice to Lessee. In addition to these Rents, Lessor
shall have all of its other rights and remedies available as a result of this
nonperformance.

XI:      FINANCIAL COVENANTS:

         Throughout the term of this Agreement and any Schedule, Lessee
covenants and agrees to comply with each and every one of the covenants set
forth in Exhibit 6 attached hereto; provided however that from and after the
release of the Guarantor, Lessee covenants and agrees to comply with the
covenants set forth on Exhibit 7.

XII.     DEFAULT:

         (a) Lessor may in writing declare this Agreement in default ("DEFAULT")
if: (1) Lessee breaches its obligation to pay Rent or any other sum when due and
fails to cure the breach within ten (10) days; (2) Lessee breaches any of its
insurance obligations under Section IX hereof; (3) Lessee defaults in any
material respect under any Ground Lease; (4) Lessee breaches any of its
obligations under Section XI hereof; (4) Lessee breaches any of its other
obligations hereunder and such breach is not cured within thirty (30) days after
written notice from Lessor; provided however that if such default cannot be
cured within such 30-day period but such default is capable of being cured, and
if Lessee is diligently proceeding to cure such default, Lessor shall give
Lessee such additional period of time, not to exceed 60 days, as shall be
reasonably necessary to cure such default; (5) any representation or warranty
made by Lessee in connection with this Agreement shall be false or misleading in
any material respect; (6) Lessee becomes insolvent or ceases to do business as a
going concern; (7) any Equipment is used in such a manner as to subject such
Equipment to the possibility of forfeiture; (8) a petition is filed by or
against Lessee under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws; (9) Lessee shall have
terminated its corporate existence, consolidated with, merged into, or conveyed
or leased substantially all of its assets as an entirety to any person (such
actions being referred to as an "Event"), unless not less than sixty (60) days
prior to such Event: (x) such person is organized and existing under the laws of
the United States or any state, and executes and delivers to Lessor an agreement
containing an effective assumption by such person of the due and punctual
performance of this Lease; and (y) Lessor is reasonably satisfied as to the
creditworthiness of such person; (10) there occurs a default under any guaranty,
Collateral Assignment of Lease, or other document executed in connection with
this Agreement (after giving effect to any applicable grace or cure period); or
(11) Lessee shall be in default (after 

                                       12
<PAGE>   16
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

giving effect to any applicable grace or cure period) under any other material
obligation for borrowed money, for the deferred purchase price of property or
any lease agreement, where the amount of such obligation for borrowed money or
deferred purchase price exceeds $250,000 or the amount of aggregate lease
payments under any lease exceeds $1,000,000. Such declaration shall apply to all
Schedules except as specifically excepted by Lessor.

         (b) After Default, unless such Default is cured or waived, Lessee
shall, without further demand, forthwith pay to Lessor (i) as liquidated damages
for loss of a bargain and not as a penalty, the Stipulated Loss Value of the
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (calculated in accordance with Annex D as
of the Rent Payment Date next preceding the declaration of default), and (ii)
all Rents and other sums then due hereunder. If Lessee fails to pay the amounts
specified in the preceding sentence, then, at the request of Lessor, Lessee
shall comply with the provisions of Section X(a) hereof. Lessee hereby
authorizes Lessor to enter, with or without legal process, any premises where
any Equipment or Leasehold Improvements are located and take possession thereof.
Lessor may, but shall not be required to, sell Equipment at private or public
sale, in bulk or in parcels, with or without notice, and without having the
Equipment present at the place of sale; or Lessor may, but shall not be required
to, lease, otherwise dispose of or keep idle all or part of the Equipment; and
Lessor may use Lessee's premises for any or all of the foregoing without
liability for rent, costs, damages or otherwise. Lessor may also exercise any
and all available remedies under the Collateral Assignments of Leases,
including, but not limited to selling, transferring or assigning the leasehold
estate created by the Ground Leases. The proceeds of sale, lease or other
disposition, if any, shall be applied in the following order of priorities: (1)
to pay all of Lessor's costs, charges and expenses incurred in taking, removing,
holding, repairing and selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of Equipment or
Leasehold Improvements; then, (2) to the extent not previously paid by Lessee,
to pay Lessor all sums due from Lessee hereunder; then (3) to reimburse to
Lessee any sums previously paid by Lessee as liquidated damages; and (4) any
surplus shall be paid to Lessee. Lessee shall pay any deficiency in clauses (1)
and (2) forthwith.

         (c) In addition to the foregoing rights, after a Default, which Default
is not cured or waived, Lessor may terminate the lease as to any or all of the
Equipment or Leasehold Improvements..

         (d) After a Default, Lessor may require any Sublessee or other person
in possession of any or all of the Lease Assets to attorn to Lessor, in which
event Lessor shall undertake the obligations of Lessee under any Sublease,
provided, however, that Lessor shall not be liable for any amounts paid by a
Sublessee to Lessee or for defaults by Lessee.

         (e) The foregoing remedies are cumulative, and any or all thereof may
be exercised in lieu of or in addition to each other or any remedies at law, in
equity, or under statute. Lessee hereby agrees that where reasonable notice is
required, ten (10) days shall be adequate and commercially reasonable notice of
sale or other disposition. If permitted by law, Lessee shall pay reasonable
attorney's fees actually incurred by Lessor in enforcing the provisions of this
Lease and any ancillary documents. Waiver of any default shall not be a waiver
of any other or subsequent default.

         (f) Any Default under the terms of this or any other agreement between
Lessor and Lessee may be declared by Lessor a default under this and any such
other agreement.



                                       13
<PAGE>   17
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

XIII.    ASSIGNMENT:

         (a) (1) EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, LESSEE SHALL NOT ASSIGN,
MORTGAGE, SUBLET OR HYPOTHECATE ANY EQUIPMENT, LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, OR
LEASEHOLD INTERESTS CREATED BY THE GROUND LEASES, OR THE INTEREST OF LESSEE
HEREUNDER WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF LESSOR. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Lessee may, subject to the following terms and conditions, without
any consent of Lessor being required, sublease the Lease Assets to Subsidiaries
(collectively referred to as "SUBLESSEE") pursuant to the terms and provisions
hereof and pursuant to written subleases satisfying the conditions hereof, in
substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit 8 (each a "SUBLEASE", and
collectively the "SUBLEASES"). Lessee promptly shall reimburse Lessor for all
expenses incurred by Lessor in connection with any Sublease or with the
enforcement of any Sublease. Lessee hereby acknowledges that it is now and
continues to be obligated and bound by all of the provisions hereof, including
but not limited to the provisions relating to the indemnity and the obligation
to pay Rent, notwithstanding any delegation of duties or other term of the
Sublease. Any such delegation shall be effective only as between Lessee and
Sublessee. Lessee further acknowledges that it is not authorized to dispose of
the Lease Assets (except as otherwise expressly provided herein and by sublease
in accordance with the terms hereof). Lessee is not prohibited from terminating
any Sublease at any time; provided, however, that notwithstanding any such
termination of a Sublease, Lessee's use of the Lease Assets shall remain subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

                  (2) Lessee agrees that at any time and from time to time, upon
the written request of Lessor, Lessee will promptly and duly execute and deliver
or cause to be duly executed and delivered any and all further instruments and
documents as Lessor reasonably may deem desirable to perfect its security
interest in the Subleases. Lessee shall deliver to Lessor the original copies of
the Subleases promptly upon execution thereof, and shall mark prominently all
other copies of the Subleases "Not an Original".

         (b) Lessor may, without the consent of Lessee, assign this Agreement or
any Schedule, or the right to enter into any Schedule. Lessee agrees that it
will pay all Rent and other amounts payable under each Schedule to the Lessor
named therein; provided, however, if Lessee receives written notice of an
assignment from Lessor, Lessee will pay all Rent and other amounts payable under
any assigned Schedule to such assignee or as instructed by Lessor; provided,
however, that Lessee shall not be required to make multiple payments to
different assignees, and Lessee shall be entitled to continue to pay the Lessor,
as agent, unless the Lessor's position as agent shall be transferred to a
successor agent reasonably acceptable to Lessor. Each Schedule, incorporating by
reference the terms and conditions of this Agreement, constitutes a separate
instrument of lease, and the Lessor named therein or its assignee shall have all
rights as "Lessor" thereunder separately exercisable by such named Lessor or
assignee as the case may be, exclusively and independently of Lessor or any
assignee with respect to other Schedules executed pursuant hereto. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the grant of security interest in
Section XVIII(b) hereof shall, as it relates to the Equipment and Leasehold
Improvements leased under each Schedule (and to the proceeds and other
collateral referred to in Section XVII(b)), be deemed to have been granted
solely to the Lessor named therein, or to its assignee, as applicable and such
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (and other related collateral) shall not be
deemed to collateralize Lessee's obligations under any of the Schedules to which
such named Lessor or assignee, as the case may be, is not a party. Lessee
further agrees to confirm in writing receipt of a notice of assignment as
reasonably 


                                       14
<PAGE>   18
GC COMPANIES, INC.

EXHIBIT 10.14

may be requested by assignee. Lessee hereby waives and agrees not to assert
against any such assignee any defense, set-off, recoupment claim or counterclaim
which Lessee has or may at any time have against Lessor or any other person for
any reason whatsoever.

         (c) Lessee acknowledges that it has been advised that General Electric
Capital Corporation is acting hereunder for itself and as agent for certain
third parties (each being herein referred to as a "PARTICIPANT" and,
collectively, as the "PARTICIPANTS"); that the interest of the Lessor in this
Agreement, the Equipment Schedules, related instruments and documents and/or the
Equipment may be conveyed to, in whole or in part, and may be used as security
for financing obtained from, one or more third parties without the consent of
Lessee (the "SYNDICATION"). Lessee also hereby recognizes and agrees that in
connection with and prior to and after the Syndication, Lessor may disclose and
furnish to any prospective or actual Participant, any and all reports, financial
statements and other information obtained by Lessor at any time and from time to
time in connection herewith, provided that such party agrees to the terms of a
confidentiality letter in a form agreed to by Lessor and Lessee. Lessee shall
fully cooperate with Lessor and any potential Participant or assignee in
connection with any such sale or assignment and will execute and deliver such
documents, instruments, opinions, consents and acceptances as shall be
reasonably required by the Lessor or any Participant (including, without
limitation, the appointment of the Lessor as agent for itself and all
assignees); provided, however in no event shall Lessee be required to consent to
any change that would adversely affect any of the economic terms of the
transactions contemplated herein.

         (d) Subject always to the foregoing, this Agreement inures to the
benefit of, and is binding upon, the successors and assigns of the parties
hereto.

XIV.     NET LEASE; NO SET-OFF, ETC.:

         This Agreement is a net lease. Lessee's obligation to pay Rent and
other amounts due hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional. Lessee shall
not be entitled to any abatement or reductions of, or set-offs against, said
Rent or other amounts, including, without limitation, those arising or allegedly
arising out of claims (present or future, alleged or actual, and including
claims arising out of strict liability in tort or negligence of Lessor) of
Lessee against Lessor under this Agreement or otherwise, which Lessee may only
pursue in a separate proceeding against Lessor and not by abatement, reduction,
or set-off. This Agreement shall not terminate and the obligations of Lessee
shall not be affected by reason of any defect in or damage to, or loss of
possession, use or destruction of, any Equipment or Leasehold Improvements from
whatsoever cause. It is the intention of the parties that Rents and other
amounts due hereunder shall continue to be payable in all events in the manner
and at the times set forth herein unless the obligation to do so shall have been
terminated pursuant to the express terms hereof.

XV.      INDEMNIFICATION:

         (a) Lessee hereby agrees to indemnify, save and keep harmless Lessor,
the Participants, their agents, employees, successors and assigns, from and
against any and all losses, damages, penalties, injuries, claims, actions and
suits, including legal expenses, of whatsoever kind and 



                                       15
<PAGE>   19
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

nature, in contract or tort, and including, but not limited to, Lessor's strict
liability in tort, arising out of (i) the selection, manufacture, purchase,
construction, acceptance or rejection of Equipment and the Leasehold
Improvements, the ownership of Equipment and the Leasehold Improvements during
the Term, and the delivery, lease, possession, maintenance, uses, condition,
return or operation of the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (including,
without limitation, latent and other defects, whether or not discoverable by
Lessor or Lessee and any claim for patent, trademark or copyright infringement
or environmental damage), or (ii) the condition of Equipment or Leasehold
Improvements sold or disposed of after use by Lessee, any sublessee or employees
of Lessee, but not including losses, damages, penalties, injuries, claims,
actions, or suits to the extent caused by Lessor's gross negligence or willful
misconduct. . Lessee shall, upon request, defend any actions based on, or
arising out of, any of the foregoing.

         (b) Lessee shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Lessor and its
Affiliates, successors and assigns, directors, officers, employees and agents,
from and against any Environmental Claim or Environmental Loss and, unless
Lessee is then contesting in good faith such Environmental Claim or
Environmental Loss and Lessee has set aside on its books appropriate reserves
therefor, Lessee shall fully and promptly pay, perform and discharge any such
Environmental Claim or Environmental Loss.

                  As used herein,

                  (1) "Adverse Environmental Condition" shall refer to (i) the
         existence or the continuation of the existence, of an Environmental
         Emission (including, without limitation, a sudden or non-sudden
         accidental or non-accidental Environmental Emission), of, or exposure
         to, any Contaminant, odor or audible noise in violation of any
         Applicable Environmental Law, at, in, by, from or related to any
         Equipment or Leasehold Improvement or Leasehold Interest, (ii) the
         environmental aspect of the transportation, storage, treatment or
         disposal of materials in connection with the operation of any Equipment
         , Leasehold Improvement, or Leasehold Interest, in violation of any
         Applicable Environmental Law, or (iii) the violation, or alleged
         violation, of any Environmental Law connected with any Equipment,
         Leasehold Improvement or Leasehold Interest except to the extent that
         any of the foregoing is caused by the gross negligence or willful
         misconduct of Lessor.

                  (2) "Affiliate" shall refer, with respect to any given Person,
         to any Person that directly or indirectly through one or more
         intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common
         control with, such Person.

                  (3) "Contaminant" shall refer to those substances which are
         regulated by or form the basis of liability under any Environmental
         Law, including, without limitation, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls
         ("PCBs"), and radioactive substances.

                  (4) "Environmental Claim" shall refer to any accusation,
         allegation, notice of violation, claim, demand, abatement or other
         order or direction (conditional or otherwise) by any governmental
         authority or any Person for personal injury (including sickness,
         disease or death), tangible or intangible property damage, damage to
         the environment or other adverse effects on the environment, or for
         fines, penalties or restrictions, resulting from or based upon any
         Adverse Environmental Condition.



                                       16
<PAGE>   20
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

                  (5) "Environmental Emission" shall refer to any actual or
         threatened release, spill, omission, leaking, pumping, injection,
         deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, leaching or migration into the
         indoor or outdoor environment, or into or out of any of the Equipment
         or Leasehold Improvements, or the Real Estate , including, without
         limitation, the movement of any Contaminant or other substance through
         or in the air, soil, surface water, groundwater, or property.

                  (6) "Environmental Law" shall mean any Federal, foreign, state
         or local law, rule or regulation pertaining to the protection of the
         environment, including, but not limited to, the Comprehensive
         Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA") (42
         U.S.C. Section 9601 et seq.), the Hazardous Material Transportation Act
         (49 U.S.C. Section 1801 et seq.), the Federal Water Pollution Control
         Act (33 U.S.C. Section 1251 et seq.), the Resource Conservation and
         Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. Section 6901 et seq.), the Clean Air Act (42
         U.S.C. Section 7401 et seq.), the Toxic Substances Control Act (15
         U.S.C. Section 2601 et seq.), the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
         Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. Section 1361 et seq.), and the Occupational
         Safety and Health Act (19 U.S.C. Section 651 et seq.), as these laws
         have been amended or supplemented, and any analogous foreign, Federal,
         state or local statutes, and the regulations promulgated pursuant
         thereto.

                  (7) "Environmental Loss" shall mean any loss, cost, damage,
         liability, deficiency, fine, penalty or expense (including, without
         limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees, engineering and other
         professional or expert fees), investigation, removal, cleanup and
         remedial costs (voluntarily or involuntarily incurred) and damages to,
         loss of the use of or decrease in value of the Equipment arising out of
         or related to any Adverse Environmental Condition.

                  (8) "Person" shall include any individual, partnership,
         corporation, trust, unincorporated organization, government or
         department or agency thereof and any other entity.

         (c) All of Lessor's rights, privileges and indemnities contained in
this Section shall survive the expiration or other termination of this Agreement
and the rights, privileges and indemnities contained herein are expressly made
for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by Lessor, its successors and
assigns.

XVI.     DISCLAIMER:

         LESSEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS SELECTED THE EQUIPMENT, THE LEASEHOLD
IMPROVEMENTS, AND THE REAL ESTATE UPON WHICH THE LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS ARE
CONSTRUCTED, WITHOUT ANY ASSISTANCE FROM LESSOR, ITS AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES. LESSOR
DOES NOT MAKE, HAS NOT MADE, NOR SHALL BE DEEMED TO MAKE OR HAVE MADE, ANY
WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, WITH
RESPECT TO THE EQUIPMENT OR LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS LEASED HEREUNDER OR ANY
COMPONENT THEREOF, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY AS TO DESIGN,
COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIFICATIONS, QUALITY OF MATERIALS OR WORKMANSHIP,


                                       17
<PAGE>   21
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14


MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE, USE OR OPERATION, SAFETY, PATENT,
TRADEMARK OR COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT, OR TITLE. All such risks, as between Lessor
and Lessee, are to be borne by Lessee. Without limiting the foregoing, Lessor
shall have no responsibility or liability to Lessee or any other person with
respect to any of the following (i) any liability, loss or damage caused or
alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by any Equipment or Leasehold
Improvements, any inadequacy thereof, any deficiency or defect (latent or
otherwise) therein, or any other circumstance in connection therewith; (ii) the
use, operation or performance of any Equipment or Leasehold Improvements or any
risks relating thereto; (iii) any interruption of service, loss of business or
anticipated profits or consequential damages; or (iv) the delivery, operation,
servicing, maintenance, repair, improvement or replacement of any Equipment or
Leasehold Improvements. If, and so long as, no default exists under this Lease,
Lessee shall be, and hereby is, authorized during the term of this Lease to
assert and enforce, at Lessee's sole cost and expense, from time to time, in the
name of and for the account of Lessor and/or Lessee, as their interests may
appear, whatever claims and rights Lessor may have against any Supplier of the
Equipment or Leasehold Improvements.

XVII.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LESSEE:

         Lessee hereby represents and warrants to Lessor that on the date hereof
and on the date of execution of each Schedule:

         (a) Lessee has adequate power and capacity to enter into, and perform
under, this Agreement and all related documents (together, the "DOCUMENTS") and
is duly qualified to do business wherever necessary to carry on its present
business and operations, including the jurisdiction(s) where the Equipment is or
is to be located.

         (b) The Documents have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
Lessee and constitute valid, legal and binding agreements, enforceable in
accordance with their terms, except to the extent that the enforcement of
remedies therein provided may be limited under applicable bankruptcy and
insolvency laws.

         (c) No approval, consent or withholding of objections is required from
any governmental authority or instrumentality with respect to the entry into or
performance by Lessee of the Documents except such as have already been
obtained.

         (d) The entry into and performance by Lessee of the Documents will not:
(i) violate any judgment, order, law or regulation applicable to Lessee or any
provision of Lessee's articles of incorporation, charter or by-laws; or (ii)
result in any breach of, constitute a default under or result in the creation of
any lien, charge, security interest or other encumbrance upon any Equipment
pursuant to any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, bank loan or credit
agreement or other instrument (other than this Agreement) to which Lessee is a
party.

         (e) There are no suits or proceedings pending or threatened in court or
before any commission, board or other administrative agency against or affecting
Lessee, which will have a material adverse effect on the ability of Lessee to
fulfill its obligations under this Agreement.

         (f) The Equipment accepted under any Certificate of Acceptance is and
will remain tangible personal property. Any Leasehold Improvements which do not
constitute personal property shall be 



                                       18
<PAGE>   22
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14


affixed only to Real Estate which, in the case of land owned by Lessee in fee,
shall be available to Lessor under a mutually agreeable license or real estate
lease, and which in the case of land leased to the Lessee pursuant to Ground
Leases, such Ground Leases shall have been duly and validly assigned to the
Lessor.

         (g) Each financial statement delivered to Lessor has been prepared in
accordance with GAAP, and since the date of the most recent such financial
statement, there has been no material adverse change.

         (h) Lessee is duly incorporated and will be at all times validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its incorporation
(specified in the first sentence of this Agreement).

         (i) The Equipment and Leasehold Improvements will at all times be used
for commercial or business purposes.

XVIII.   OWNERSHIP FOR TAX PURPOSES; GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST; USURY SAVINGS:

         (a) For income tax purposes, Lessor will treat Lessee as the owner of
the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements. Accordingly, Lessor agrees (i) to
treat Lessee as the owner of the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements on its
federal income tax return, (ii) not to take actions or positions inconsistent
with such treatment on or with respect to its federal income tax return, and not
claim any tax benefits available to an owner of the Equipment on or with respect
to its federal income tax return. The foregoing undertakings by Lessor shall not
be violated by Lessor's taking a tax position through inadvertence so long as
such inadvertent tax position is reversed by Lessor promptly upon its discovery
and without out-of-pocket costs to Lessee. Lessor shall in no event be liable to
Lessee if Lessee fails to secure any of the tax benefits available to the owner
of the Equipment or Leasehold Improvements.

         (b) In order to secure the prompt payment of the Rent and all of the
other amounts from time to time outstanding under and with respect to the
Schedules, and the performance and observance by Lessee of all the agreements,
covenants and provisions thereof (including, without limitation, all of the
agreements, covenants and provisions of the Lease that are incorporated
therein):

                  (1) Lessee hereby grants to Lessor a first priority security
interest in the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements leased under the Schedules,
together with all additions, attachments, accessions, accessories and accessions
thereto whether or not furnished by the Supplier of the Equipment or Leasehold
Improvements and any and all substitutions, replacements or exchanges therefor,
in each such case in which Lessee shall from time to time acquire an interest,
and any and all insurance and/or other proceeds (but without power of sale) of
the property in and against which a security interest is granted hereunder; and

                  (2) Lessee hereby grants to Lessor a first priority security
interest in, and assigns, sets over, and transfers to Lessor, its successors and
assigns, all (except as otherwise provided herein) of its right, title and
interest in and to (i) the Subleases and all extensions and renewals thereof,
(ii) all rentals and other sums due, now or hereafter, under the Subleases


                                       19
<PAGE>   23
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14


(including, without limitation, all amounts paid pursuant to the exercise by
Sublessee of any option contained in the Sublease), (iii) any and all proceeds
of any insurance required under the Subleases, except proceeds used to purchase
a Replacement Item or to substitute Real Estate pursuant to the terms hereof, or
to restore or replace Lease Assets pursuant to the terms hereof, and (iv) all
products and proceeds of the foregoing; provided, however, that Lessor shall not
exercise its rights hereunder unless and until a Default or event which, with
notice and the lapse of time or both, would constitute a Default hereunder has
occurred and is continuing. Notwithstanding the foregoing assignment, Lessee
shall cause Sublessee to pay Lessee all rentals and other sums payable under the
Subleases until Lessor delivers to Lessee notice of a Default hereunder. Upon
giving such notice to Lessee, Lessor may notify Sublessee (or, if requested by
Lessor, Lessee shall notify Sublessee) to pay directly to Lessor all rentals and
other sums payable and to become payable under the Subleases. Upon Sublessee's
receipt of such notice, Lessee hereby authorizes and directs Sublessee to pay
Lessor all rentals and other sums payable and to become payable under the
Subleases; provided however, that so long as no Default or event which, with the
giving of notice or the lapse of time (or both), would become a Default has then
occurred, Lessor shall retain only such of the rentals herein assigned as are
required from time to time to discharge Lessee's obligations hereunder and shall
remit any excess to Lessee. If any remittance is received by Lessee relating to
such Subleases after a Default, such remittances immediately will be delivered
to Lessor bearing the endorsement "Pay to the order of General Electric Capital
Corporation, for Itself and as Agent for Certain Participants." If the
remittance is in a form which precludes an endorsement, Lessee shall, after a
Default, hold all such funds in trust for Lessor and immediately pay the amount
of the remittance to Lessor. Lessee hereby appoints Lessor its attorney-in-fact
to negotiate any remittance which is received by Lessor from Sublessee after a
Default and made payable to Lessee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if after a
Default Lessee receives the proceeds of any insurance maintained by a Sublessee
as a result of a casualty suffered by subleased Equipment, Lessee immediately
will remit such insurance proceeds to Lessor; and

                  (3) to the extent the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements may
constitute or be deemed to be Lessee's inventory (the "INVENTORY"), Lessee
hereby grants to Lessor a security interest in such Inventory, which shall mean
all Equipment and Leasehold Improvements offered or furnished under any contract
of service or intended for sale or lease, any and all additions, attachments,
accessories and accessions thereto, any and all substitutions, replacements or
exchanges therefor, any and all leases, subleases, rentals, accounts and
contracts with respect to the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements which may now
exist or hereafter arise, together with all rights thereunder and all rental and
other payments and purchase options due and to become due thereunder, any and
all sales proceeds payable for such property, all insurance, bonds and/or other
proceeds of the property and all returned or repossessed Equipment and Leasehold
Improvements now or at any time or times hereafter in the possession or under
the control of Lessee or Lessor; and

                  (4) Lessee also grants to Lessor a security interest in all
accounts receivable now owned by Lessee or hereafter acquired or owned by Lessee
that might arise or result from any lease or other disposition of any of the
Lease Assets or the Inventory, including, but not limited to, the Sublease or
any right of Lessee to payment for Lease Assets sold or leased or for services
rendered whether or not evidenced by an instrument or chattel paper, and whether
or not such right has been earned by performance (the "SUBLEASE ACCOUNTS
RECEIVABLE").


                                       20
<PAGE>   24
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14


         (c) It is the intention of the parties hereto to comply with any
applicable usury laws to the extent that any Schedule is determined to be
subject to such laws; accordingly, it is agreed that, notwithstanding any
provision to the contrary in any Schedule or the Lease, in no event shall any
Schedule require the payment or permit the collection of interest in excess of
the maximum amount permitted by applicable law. If any such excess interest is
contracted for, charged or received under any Schedule or the Lease, or in the
event that all of the principal balance shall be prepaid, so that under any of
such circumstances the amount of interest contracted for, charged or received
under any Schedule or the Lease shall exceed the maximum amount of interest
permitted by applicable law, then in such event (1) the provisions of this
paragraph shall govern and control, (2) neither Lessee nor any other person or
entity now or hereafter liable for the payment hereof shall be obligated to pay
the amount of such interest to the extent that it is in excess of the maximum
amount of interest permitted by applicable law, (3) any such excess which may
have been collected shall be either applied as a credit against the then unpaid
principal balance or refunded to Lessee, at the option of the Lessor, and (4)
the effective rate of interest shall be automatically reduced to the maximum
lawful contract rate allowed under applicable law as now or hereafter construed
by the courts having jurisdiction thereof. It is further agreed that without
limitation of the foregoing, all calculations of the rate of interest
contracted for, charged or received under any Schedule or the Lease which are
made for the purpose of determining whether such rate exceeds the maximum lawful
contract rate, shall be made, to the extent permitted by applicable law, by
amortizing, prorating, allocating and spreading in equal parts during the period
of the full stated term of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, all interest at
any time contracted for, charged or received from Lessee or otherwise by Lessor
in connection with such indebtedness; provided, however, that if any applicable
state law is amended or the law of the United States of America preempts any
applicable state law, so that it becomes lawful for Lessor to receive a greater
interest per annum rate than is presently allowed, the Lessee agrees that, on
the effective date of such amendment or preemption, as the case may be, the
lawful maximum hereunder shall be increased to the maximum interest per annum
rate allowed by the amended state law or the law of the United States of America
(but not in excess of the interest rate contemplated hereunder).

XIX      END OF LEASE OPTIONS

         Provided that Lessee is not then in default under this Agreement or any
other agreement between Lessor and Lessee (after giving effect to any applicable
grace or cure periods), Lessee shall have the option, upon the expiration of the
Term of each Schedule, to return, or to purchase, or to renew, or to extend the
Term of any Schedule under this Agreement with respect to, all (but not less
than all) of the Lease Assets leased under all Schedules (designated as Series A
as to Equipment (the "SERIES A SCHEDULES") and designated as Series B as to
Leasehold Improvements (the "SERIES B SCHEDULES")), in each case which were
executed hereunder during each 12-month period (each a "LEASE YEAR") from the
date of this Agreement (a "SPECIFIC SERIES OF SCHEDULES") upon the following
terms and conditions.

                  (a) Renewal. So long as Lessee shall not have exercised its
option to return the Equipment or its purchase option pursuant to this Section ,
Lessee shall have the option, upon the expiration of the Basic Term and of each
Renewal Term (but in all events subject to the Series A Maximum Lease Term and
the Series B Maximum Lease Term, as hereinafter specified) of the first Schedule
of a Specific Series of Schedules to be executed under this Agreement, to renew
the Term of this Agreement with respect to all, but not less than all, of the
Equipment or Leasehold

                                       21
<PAGE>   25
GC COMPANIES, INC.

EXHIBIT 10.14


Improvements leased under all of such Specific Series of Schedules for the
Renewal Term at the Renewal Term Rent. Including all Renewal Terms, the maximum
term of each Series A Schedule to be executed under this Agreement shall be
seven (7) years (the Initial Term plus three (3) Renewal Terms) (the "SERIES A
MAXIMUM LEASE TERM"), and the maximum term of each Series B Schedule to be
executed under this Agreement shall be twenty (20) years (the Initial Term plus
fourteen (14) Renewal Terms) (the "SERIES B MAXIMUM LEASE TERM"). Lessee's right
to exercise the renewal option set forth herein with respect to the Series B
Schedules on the seventh, tenth and fifteenth anniversary of the Basic Term
Commencement Date with respect to each such Schedule, shall be conditioned upon
the prior written consent of Lessor (which consent shall be determined based on
a complete credit review with respect to Lessee and is further subject to
compliance by Lessee with the financial covenants set forth herein).

                  (b) Return. So long as Lessee shall not have exercised its
extension option or its option to renew this Agreement or its purchase option
pursuant to this Section , and provided that Lessee has given Lessor not less
than twenty-four (24) months' irrevocable advance written notice of Lessee's
intent to return the Lease Assets, (the date of such notice being hereinafter
called the "Notice Date"), then upon the expiration of the Term of each
Schedule, Lessee shall return all (but not less than all) of the Lease Assets
described on such Schedules, to Lessor upon the following terms and conditions:
Lessee shall (i) pay to Lessor on the last day of the Term of this Agreement
with respect to each individual Schedule, in addition to the scheduled Rent then
due on such date and all other sums then due hereunder, a terminal rental
adjustment amount equal to the Fixed Purchase Price (as hereinafter defined) of
such Lease Assets, plus the Make Whole Amount (as hereinafter defined), if any
(provided, however, that Lessee shall not be required to pay a Make-Whole Amount
in connection with the return of Equipment at the end of the Series A Maximum
Lease Term, and (ii) return the Equipment or Leasehold Improvements to Lessor in
accordance with Section X (including subsection (b) of Section X) hereof, (iii)
assign the Ground Leases to the Lessor or its assignee, and (iv) from the Notice
Date through the earlier of (A) the date which is thirty days after the date the
Lease Assets are sold or leased to a third party, or (B) the expiration of the
Maximum Lease Term in the case of Leasehold Improvements, or the expiration of
any the Maximum Lease Term and any available Extension Term in the case of
Equipment, Lessee shall (1) continue to comply with all of the terms and
conditions of this Agreement and the applicable Schedules, including, but not
limited to the obligation to pay Rent, and (2) make the Lease Assets available
to Lessor in such a manner as to allow Lessor to market and demonstrate the
Lease Assets to potential purchasers or lessees from Lessee's premises at no
cost to Lessor; provided, however, that subject to Lessor's right to market and
demonstrate the Lease Assets to potential purchasers or lessees from time to
time, Lessee may continue to use the Lease Assets. Thereafter, upon return of
all of the Equipment or Leasehold Improvements described on a Specific Series of
Schedules executed hereunder, Lessor and Lessee shall arrange for the
commercially reasonable sale, scrap or other disposition of the Equipment ,
Leasehold Improvements and, the assignment of the Lessee's rights under the
Ground Lease (and Lessee shall be responsible for all costs, expenses and fees,
including storage, reasonable and necessary maintenance and other remarketing
fees incurred in connection with such sale, scrap or disposition of the
Equipment or Leasehold Improvements, and interests under the Ground Lease). Upon
satisfaction of the conditions specified in this Paragraph (c), Lessor will
transfer, on an AS IS, WHERE IS BASIS, without recourse or warranty, express or
implied, of any kind whatsoever, all of Lessor's interest in and to such
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements and the related Collateral Assignment of
Lease. Lessor shall not be required to make and may specifically disclaim any
representation or warranty as the condition of such Equipment or Leasehold
Improvements and other matters (except that 

                                       22
<PAGE>   26
GC COMPANIES, INC.

EXHIBIT 10.14

Lessor shall warrant that it has conveyed whatever interest it received in the
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements free and clear of any liens or encumbrances
created by, through or under Lessor). Lessor shall execute and deliver to Lessee
such Uniform Commercial Code Statements of Termination as reasonably may be
required in order to terminate any interest of Lessor in and to the Equipment
and Leasehold Improvements . Upon the sale, scrap or other disposition of the
Equipment or Leasehold Improvements, the net sales proceeds with respect to the
Equipment or Leasehold Improvements sold will be paid to, and held and applied
by, Lessor as follows: Lessor shall promptly thereafter pay to Lessee an amount
equal to the Residual Risk Amount (as specified in the Schedule) of the
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (less all reasonable costs, expenses and
fees, including storage, reasonable and necessary maintenance and other
remarketing fees incurred in connection with the sale, scrap, or disposition of
such Equipment or Leasehold Improvements ) plus all net proceeds, if any, of
such sale in excess of the Residual Risk Amount of the Equipment or Leasehold
Improvements and applicable taxes, if any. As used herein, the term "Fixed
Purchase Price" means the amount determined by multiplying the aggregate amount
funded for such Lease Assets by the percentage shown in the column titled "Fixed
Purchase Price" on the applicable Schedule;

                  (c) Purchase. So long as Lessee shall not have exercised its
extension option or its option to renew this Agreement pursuant to this Section,
Lessee shall have the option, upon the expiration of the Term of each Schedule,
to purchase all (but not less than all) of the Equipment and the Lessor's
interest in the Leasehold Improvements described on a Specific Series of
Schedules executed hereunder upon the following terms and conditions: If Lessee
desires to exercise this option with respect to Equipment or Leasehold
Improvements, Lessee shall pay to Lessor on the last day of the Term with
respect to each such individual Schedule, in addition to the scheduled Rent (if
any) then due on such date and all other sums then due hereunder, in cash the
purchase price for the Equipment or Leasehold Improvements so purchased,
determined as hereinafter provided. The purchase price of the Equipment or
Leasehold Improvements shall be an amount equal to the Fixed Purchase Price of
such Equipment or Leasehold Improvements (as specified on the Schedule), plus
the Make Whole Amount, if any, plus all taxes and charges upon sale and all
other reasonable and documented expenses incurred by Lessor in connection with
such sale, including, without limitation, any such expenses incurred based on a
notice from Lessee to Lessor that Lessee intended to return any such items of
Equipment or Leasehold Improvements . Upon satisfaction of the conditions
specified in this Paragraph, Lessor will transfer, on an AS IS, WHERE IS BASIS,
without recourse or warranty, express or implied, of any kind whatsoever, all of
Lessor's interest in and to the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements and release
the applicable Collateral Assignment of Lease. Lessor shall not be required to
make and may specifically disclaim any representation or warranty as to the
condition of such Equipment or Leasehold Improvements and other matters (except
that Lessor shall warrant that it has conveyed whatever interest it received in
the Equipment or Leasehold Improvements free and clear of any lien or
encumbrance created by, through or under Lessor). Lessor shall execute and
deliver to Lessee such Uniform Commercial Code Statements of Termination as
reasonably may be required in order to terminate any interest of Lessor in and
to the Equipment or Leasehold Improvements.

                  (d) Extension. So long as Lessee shall not have exercised its
option to return the Equipment or its purchase option pursuant to this Section ,
and provided that Lessee shall have exercised its option to renew this Agreement
pursuant to this Section with respect to all applicable available Renewal Terms,
Lessee shall have the option, upon the expiration of all applicable available
Renewal Terms, to extend the Term of this Agreement with respect to all, but not
less 


                                       23
<PAGE>   27
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14


than all, of the Equipment described on a Specific Series of Schedules for
an additional term of twelve (12) months (the "EXTENSION TERM") at a monthly
rental to be paid in arrears on the same day of each month on which the prior
Renewal Term Rent installment was paid, and calculated as the product of (i) the
Capitalized Lessor's Cost, times (ii) a lease rate factor calculated by Lessor,
which when so multiplied times the Capitalized Lessor's Cost, will result in a
product that is equal to the amount necessary to fully repay to Lessor any
unpaid balance of the Capitalized Lessor's Cost (determined as of the date on
which the last available Renewal Term expired), together with interest thereon
at a rate per annum equal to the Extension Rate (as hereinafter defined),
payable in twelve (12) equal monthly installments. As used herein, the
"EXTENSION RATE" shall mean for Equipment schedules, 210 basis points over the
then-current 1-year Treasury Note yield; provided, however, if the transaction
receives an NAIC rating of 3 or higher, such rate shall be equal to 500 basis
points over the one-year Treasury Note yield. At the end of the Extension Term,
provided that Lessee is not then in default under this Agreement or any other
agreement between Lessor and Lessee, Lessee shall purchase all, and not less
than all, of such Equipment for the amount of $1.00, plus all taxes and charges
upon sale and all other reasonable and documented expenses incurred by Lessor in
connection with such sale, including, without limitation, any such expenses
incurred based on a notice from Lessee to Lessor that Lessee intended to return
any such items of Equipment. Upon satisfaction of the conditions specified in
this Paragraph (a), Lessor will transfer, on an AS IS, WHERE IS BASIS, without
recourse or warranty, express or implied, of any kind whatsoever ("AS IS
BASIS"), all of Lessor's interest in and to the Equipment. Lessor shall not be
required to make and may specifically disclaim any representation or warranty as
to the condition of the Equipment and any other matters (except that Lessor
shall warrant that it has conveyed whatever interest it received in the
Equipment free and clear of any lien or encumbrance created by, through or under
Lessor).

                  (e) Notice of Election. Lessee shall give Lessor written
notice of its election of the options specified in this Section not less than
one hundred eighty (180) days nor more than three hundred sixty-five (365) days
before the expiration of the Basic Term or any Renewal Term of the first of each
Specific Set of Schedules to be executed under this Agreement; provided,
however, that if Lessee elects to return Lease Assets, such election must be
made not less than two (2) years prior to the expiration of the Basic Term or
the Renewal Term of the first Schedule executed in any Lease Year. Such election
shall be effective with respect to all Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
described on all Schedules executed hereunder during any Lease Year.. If Lessee
fails timely to provide such notice, without further action Lessee automatically
shall be deemed to have elected (1) to renew the Term of this Agreement pursuant
to Paragraph (b) of this Section if a Renewal Term is then available hereunder,
or (2) to purchase the Equipment or Leasehold Improvements pursuant to Paragraph
(d) of this Section if a Renewal Term is not then available hereunder or, if
applicable Lessor does not consent to such renewal.

XX.      MISCELLANEOUS:

         (a) LESSEE HEREBY UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ITS RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF
ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF, DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY, THIS LEASE, ANY OF THE RELATED DOCUMENTS, ANY DEALINGS BETWEEN
LESSEE AND LESSOR RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS TRANSACTION OR ANY
RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND/OR THE RELATIONSHIP THAT IS BEING ESTABLISHED BETWEEN
LESSEE AND LESSOR. The scope of this waiver is intended to be all encompassing
of any and all disputes 


                                       24
<PAGE>   28
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14


that may be filed in any court (including, without limitation, contract claims,
tort claims, breach of duty claims, and all other common law and statutory
claims). THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE MEANING THAT IT MAY NOT BE MODIFIED EITHER
ORALLY OR IN WRITING, AND THE WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS,
RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS LEASE, ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS, OR
TO ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS OR AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THIS TRANSACTION OR ANY RELATED
TRANSACTION. In the event of litigation, this Agreement may be filed as a
written consent to a trial by the court.

         (b) Any cancellation or termination by Lessor, pursuant to the
provision of this Agreement, any Schedule, supplement or amendment hereto, or
the lease of any Equipment or Leasehold Improvements hereunder, shall not
release Lessee from any then outstanding obligations to Lessor hereunder.

         (c) All Equipment shall at all times remain personal property of Lessee
regardless of the degree of its annexation to any real property and shall not by
reason of any installation in, or affixation to, real or personal property
become a part thereof. No Leasehold improvements shall by affixed to any real
property other than Real Estate which has been leased to the Lessee pursuant to
a Ground Lease which has been duly assigned to the Lessor.

         (d) Time is of the essence of this Agreement. Lessor's failure at any
time to require strict performance by Lessee of any of the provisions hereof
shall not waive or diminish Lessor's right thereafter to demand strict
compliance therewith.

         (e) Lessee agrees, upon Lessor's request, to execute any instrument
necessary or expedient for filing, recording or perfecting the interest of
Lessor.

         (f) All notices required to be given hereunder shall be in writing,
personally delivered, delivered by overnight courier service, sent by facsimile
transmission (with confirmation of receipt), or sent by certified mail, return
receipt requested, addressed to the other party at its respective address stated
above or at such other address as such party shall from time to time designate
in writing to the other party; and shall be effective from the date of receipt.

         (g) This Agreement, the Commitment Letter, and any Schedule and Annexes
thereto constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof. NO VARIATION OR MODIFICATION OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY
WAIVER OF ANY OF ITS PROVISIONS OR CONDITIONS, SHALL BE VALID UNLESS IN WRITING
AND SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PARTIES HERETO. Any provision
of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction
shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition
or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and
any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not
invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. In
the event of any conflict between the terms of the Commitment Letter and this
Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern and control.

         (h) The representations, warranties and covenants of Lessee herein
shall be deemed to survive the closing hereunder. Lessor's obligations to
acquire and lease specific items of Equipment and Leasehold Improvements shall
be conditioned upon Lessee providing to Lessor such information with respect to
Lessee's financial condition as Lessor may require, and Lessor being satisfied
that there shall have been no material adverse change in the business or
financial condition of Lessee from the date of execution hereof. The obligations
of Lessee under Sections III, X, XIV and XX(l) 

                                       25
<PAGE>   29
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

which accrue during the term of this Agreement and obligations which by their
express terms survive the termination of this Agreement, shall survive the
termination of this Agreement.

         (i) In case of a failure of Lessee to comply with any provision of this
Agreement, Lessor shall have the right, but shall not be obligated, to effect
such compliance, in whole or in part; and all moneys spent and expenses and
obligations incurred or assumed by Lessor in effecting such compliance (together
with interest thereon at the rate specified in Paragraph (j) of this Section )
shall constitute additional Rent due to Lessor within five (5) days after the
date Lessor sends notice to Lessee requesting payment. Lessor's effecting such
compliance shall not be a waiver of Lessee's default.

         (j) Any Rent or other amount not paid to Lessor when due hereunder
shall bear interest, both before and after any judgment or termination hereof,
at the lesser of 300 basis points above the Assumed Interest Rate (as defined in
the applicable Schedule) or the maximum rate allowed by law.

         (k) Any provisions in this Agreement and any Schedule which are in
conflict with any statute, law or applicable rule shall be deemed omitted,
modified or altered to conform thereto.

         (l) Lessee agrees to pay on demand all reasonable costs and expenses
incurred by Lessor in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery,
filing, recording, and administration of any of the Documents, including,
without limitation, the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of counsel
for Lessor, and all costs and expenses, if any, in connection with the
enforcement of any of the Documents. In addition, Lessee shall pay any and all
stamp and other taxes and fees payable or determined to be payable in connection
with the execution, delivery, filing and recording of any of the Documents and
the other documents to be delivered under the Documents, and agrees to save
Lessor harmless from and against any and all liabilities with respect to or
resulting from any delay attributed to Lessee in paying or failing to pay such
taxes and fees.

XXI: CHOICE OF LAW; JURISDICTION: THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL IN ALL RESPECTS BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH, THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (WITHOUT REGARD TO
THE CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES OF SUCH STATE), INCLUDING ALL MATTERS OF
CONSTRUCTION, VALIDITY AND PERFORMANCE, REGARDLESS OF THE LOCATION OF THE
EQUIPMENT. The parties agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or
relating to this Agreement may be commenced in the United States District Court
for the Southern District of New York.

XXII: CHATTEL PAPER: To the extent that any Schedule would constitute chattel
paper, as such term is defined in the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in
any applicable jurisdiction, no security interest therein may be created through
the transfer or possession of this Lease in and of itself without the transfer
or possession of the original of a Schedule executed pursuant to this Lease and
incorporating the Lease by reference; and no security interest in this Lease and
a Schedule may be created by the transfer or possession of any counterpart of
the Schedule other than the original thereof, which shall be identified as the
document marked "Original" and all other counterparts shall be marked
"Duplicate".

                                       26
<PAGE>   30
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

XXIII:   EARLY TERMINATION:

         (a) On or after the First Termination Date, Lessee may, so long as no
Default exists hereunder, terminate this Agreement as to all (but not less than
all) of the Lease Assets described on all Schedules executed hereunder, as of a
Rent Payment Date ("TERMINATION DATE") upon at least ninety (90) days' prior
written irrevocable notice to Lessor. In such notice, Lessee shall specify
whether Lessee elects to purchase the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
pursuant to Paragraph (b) hereof, or to cause the Equipment or Leasehold
Improvements to be sold to a third party pursuant to Paragraph (a) hereof.

                  (i) If Lessee elects to cause the Equipment and Leasehold
Improvements to be sold to a third party, Lessee shall, and Lessor may, solicit
cash bids for the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements on an AS IS BASIS. Prior
to the Termination Date, Lessee shall (i) certify to Lessor any bids received by
Lessee and (ii) pay to Lessor the sum of (A) the Fixed Purchased Price,
calculated as of the Termination Date, for the Equipment and Leasehold
Improvements , plus (B) all rent and other sums due and unpaid as of the
Termination Date, plus (C) the Make Whole Amount, if any. Provided that all
amounts due hereunder have been paid on the Termination Date, Lessor and Lessee
shall sell the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements on an AS IS BASIS for cash
to the highest bidder and refund to Lessee the proceeds of such sale (net of any
related expenses) up to the amount of the Fixed Purchase Price plus the
Make-Whole Amount to Lessee to the extent such Fixed Purchase Price and Make
Whole Amount have been paid by Lessee to Lessor. Lessor shall not be required to
make and may specifically disclaim any representation or warranty as to the
condition of the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements and any other matters
(except that Lessor shall warrant that it has conveyed whatever interest it
received in such Equipment free and clear of any lien or encumbrance created by,
through or under Lessor). If such sale is not consummated, no termination shall
occur and Lessor shall refund the Fixed Purchase Price (less any expenses
incurred by Lessor) to Lessee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessor may elect
by written notice, at any time prior to the Termination Date, not to sell the
Equipment. In that event, on the Termination Date, Lessee shall (1) return the
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (in accordance with Section X), and (2) pay
to Lessor all amounts required under Paragraph (ii) less the amount of the
highest bid certified by Lessee to Lessor or obtained by Lessor.

                  (ii) If Lessee elects to purchase the Equipment and Leasehold
Improvements , on the Termination Date, Lessee shall pay to Lessor in cash the
purchase price for the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements determined as
hereinafter provided. The purchase price of the Equipment and Leasehold
Improvements shall be an amount equal to the sum of (A) the Fixed Purchase Price
(calculated as of the Termination Date) for the Equipment and Leasehold
Improvements , plus (B) all taxes and charges upon sale, plus (C) all Rent and
other sums due and unpaid as of the Termination Date, plus (D) the Make Whole
Amount, if any. Upon satisfaction of the conditions specified in this Paragraph
(b), Lessor will transfer, on an AS IS BASIS, all of Lessor's interest in and to
the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements. Lessor shall not be required to make
and may specifically disclaim any representation or warranty as to the condition
of such Equipment and Leasehold Improvements and other matters. Lessor shall
execute and deliver to Lessee such Uniform Commercial Code Statements of
Termination as reasonably may be required in order to terminate any interest of
Lessor in and to the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements .

          (b) For purposes hereof, "MAKE WHOLE AMOUNT" shall mean that amount
equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the aggregate present value as of the
Termination Date of the sum of (A) the remaining scheduled Rent payments, plus
(B) the full amount of the Fixed Purchase Price that but



                                       27
<PAGE>   31
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14



for exercise of the option contained in this Section would be payable on the
last Rent Payment Date during the Basic Term, discounted to the date of payment
at the Reinvestment Rate, over (ii) the aggregate present value as of the
Termination Date of the sum of (A) the remaining scheduled Rent payments, plus
(B) the full amount of the Fixed Purchase Price that but for exercise of the
option contained in this Section would be payable on the last Rent Payment Date
during the Basic Term, discounted to the date of payment at the Assumed Interest
Rate (specified in the applicable Schedule); provided, however, that if the
Reinvestment Rate is equal to or higher than the Assumed Interest Rate, the Make
Whole Amount shall be zero. For purposes hereof, "REINVESTMENT RATE" shall mean
the sum of (i) the Applicable Treasury Yield plus (ii) fifty (50 ) basis points;
provided, however, that in the event that Lessor elects (in accordance with
Section XIX(a) hereof) not to permit the exercise of Lessee's renewal option, at
a time when (a) Lessee has an NAIC rating of 2 or better, and (b) there has been
no material deterioration in the creditworthiness of Lessee since the date of
the initial findings, the "Reinvestment Rate" used for the purpose of
calculating the Make Whole Amount shall be equal to (a) the Applicable Treasury
Yield plus ninety-five (95) basis points for equipment, and (b) the Applicable
Treasury Yield plus one hundred fifty-five (155) basis points for Leasehold
Improvements. The term "APPLICABLE TREASURY YIELD" at any time shall mean the
yield to maturity of United States Treasury Notes with a maturity equal to the
remaining average life of the Series A Maximum Lease Term or Series B Maximum
Lease Term, as applicable, as published in The Wall Street Journal three (3)
Business Days prior to the Termination Date. If no maturity exactly corresponds
to such remaining term, the Applicable Treasury Yield shall be interpolated on a
straight-line basis, utilizing the yields for the two maturities which most
closely correspond to the requisite maturity.

         (c) In addition to the rights set forth in subsection (a) above, if
Lessee desires to close a theater at a particular Lease Assets Location, then
Lessee may, with the prior written consent of Lessor, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld, upon not less than ninety (90) days' advance written
notice, elect to terminate the Term of this Agreement as to all (but not less
than all) of the Lease Assets (both Leasehold Improvements and Equipment) on all
Schedules pertaining to such Lease Assets Location, and purchase such Lease
Assets from Lessor. Lessee shall pay Lessor on the date of the termination of
such Schedules, in cash, a purchase price equal to, the Stipulated Loss Value of
the Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (calculated in accordance with Annex D
to the applicable Schedule(s) as of the Rent Payment Date next preceding the
date of such termination), and (ii) all Rents and other sums then due hereunder.
Upon compliance by Lessee with the provisions hereof, Lessor will transfer to
Lessee, on an AS IS BASIS, without recourse or warranty, express or implied, of
any kind whatsoever, all of Lessor's interest in and to purchased Lease Assets.
Lessor shall not be required to make and may specifically disclaim any
representation or warranty as to the condition of the purchased Lease Assets and
any other matters (except that Lessor shall warrant that it conveyed whatever
interest it received in such purchased Lease Assets free and clear of any lien
or encumbrance created by or through Lessor). Lessor shall execute and deliver
to Lessee such Uniform Commercial Code statements of termination, releases of
Collateral Assignments of Leases, releases of Mortgages, and other documents and
instruments, as reasonably may be required in order to terminate any interest of
Lessor in and to such purchased Lease Assets.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]



                                       28
<PAGE>   32
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lessee and Lessor have caused this Master Lease
Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the date
first above written.

LESSOR:                                          LESSEE:

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION,            GENERAL CINEMA THEATRES, INC.
FOR ITSELF AND AS AGENT FOR CERTAIN
PARTICIPANTS

By:                                              By:
Name:                                            Name:
Title:                                           Title:



                                       29
<PAGE>   33
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

                FINANCIAL COVENANTS PRIOR TO RELEASE OF GUARANTOR

General Cinema Theatres, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis will
achieve and maintain the following covenants:

FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO of not less than 1.35:1, measured at the end of each
of the Lessee's fiscal quarters (the "Measurement Date").

The measurement period ("Measurement Period") will be for the four fiscal
quarters ending on the Measurement Date.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio to be defined as Lessee's earnings before interest
expense, income taxes, non-operating expense and income, depreciation and
amortization expense, and lease expense divided by the sum of all debt service
(principal and interest) and lease expense during the Measurement Period.

MINIMUM TANGIBLE NET WORTH of not less than $100,000,000 as of and at any time
subsequent to the closing.

Tangible Net Worth shall mean as of any particular date, the difference between;
(a) Guarantor's total assets as they would normally be shown on the balance
sheet less Guarantor's intangible assets, including, but not limited to, all
values attributable to goodwill, patents, copyrights, trademarks, and licenses;
and (b) Guarantor's total liabilities as they would usually be shown on such
balance sheet, including as liabilities all guarantees of the indebtedness of
affiliates or any other Person.

MAXIMUM TOTAL INDEBTEDNESS TO TANGIBLE NET WORTH OF NOT GREATER THAN THE
FOLLOWING:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                Fiscal       Fiscal      Fiscal       Fiscal      Fiscal       Fiscal 2001 and
                 1996         1997        1998         1999        2000           Thereafter
              -----------  ----------- -----------  ----------- ----------- ----------------------
<S>                           <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>               <C> 
                 6.0x         7.5x        8.0x         8.5x        8.5x              8.5x
              -----------  ----------- -----------  ----------- ----------- ----------------------
</TABLE>

Total Indebtedness to include the sum of all liabilities including deferred
income taxes, all assigned leases and all operating lease payments (present
valued at a rate of 12% per annum over their respective lives).



                                       30
<PAGE>   34
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.14

                 FINANCIAL COVENANTS AFTER RELEASE OF GUARANTOR

Financial covenants related to the release of the Guaranty of GC Companies, Inc.

General Cinema Theatres, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis will
achieve and maintain the following covenants:

FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO of not less than 1.40:1, measured at the end of each
of the Lessee's fiscal quarters (the "Measurement Date").

The measurement period ("Measurement Period") will be for the four fiscal
quarters ending on the Measurement Date.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio to be defined as Lessee's earnings before interest
expense, income taxes, non-operating expense and income, depreciation and
amortization expense, and lease expense divided by the sum of all debt service
(principal and interest) and lease expense during the Measurement Period.

MINIMUM TANGIBLE NET WORTH of not less than $100,000,000 as of and at any time
subsequent to the closing.

Tangible Net Worth shall mean as of any particular date, the difference between;
(a) Lessee's total assets as they would normally be shown on the balance sheet
less Lessee's intangible assets, including, but not limited to, all values
attributable to goodwill, patents, copyrights, trademarks, and licenses; and (b)
Lessee's total liabilities as they would usually be shown on such balance sheet,
including as liabilities all guarantees of the indebtedness of affiliates or any
other Person.

MAXIMUM TOTAL INDEBTEDNESS TO TANGIBLE NET WORTH OF NOT GREATER THAN THE
FOLLOWING:

                           Fiscal 1996 and thereafter
                    ---------------------------------------
                                      6.0x
                    ---------------------------------------

Total Indebtedness to include the sum of all liabilities including deferred
income taxes, all assigned leases and all operating lease payments (present
valued at a rate of 12% per annum over their respective lives).



                                       31



<PAGE>   1
EXHIBIT 11.1

                               GC COMPANIES, INC.

                                OCTOBER 31, 1996

                              EXHIBIT TO FORM 10-K


Computation of average number of shares outstanding used in determining primary
and fully diluted earnings per share

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                         1996         1995         1994
                                                       ----         ----         ----
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>          <C>  


PRIMARY

1.       Weighted average number of
         Common shares outstanding                    7,816        7,812        7,796

2.       Assumed exercise of certain stock
         options based on average
         market value                                    35           43           45
                                                      -----        -----        -----

3.       Weighted average number of shares
         used in primary per share
         computations                                 7,851        7,855        7,841
                                                      =====        =====        =====


FULLY DILUTED (A)

1.       Weighted average number of
         Common shares outstanding                    7,816        7,812        7,796

2.       Assumed exercise of all dilutive
         options based on higher of
         average or closing market value                 36           46           46
                                                      -----        -----        -----

3.       Weighted average number of shares
         used in fully diluted per share
         computations                                 7,852        7,858        7,842
                                                      =====        =====        =====
</TABLE>




(A)      This calculation is submitted in accordance with Securities Exchange
         Act of 1934 Release No. 9083 although not required by Footnote 2 to
         Paragraph 14 of APB Opinion No. 15 because it results in dilution of
         less than 3%.


<PAGE>   1
                               GC COMPANIES, INC.
                               1996 ANNUAL REPORT



                                     [LOGO]
<PAGE>   2
GC COMPANIES OPERATES GENERAL CINEMA'S MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITION CIRCUIT
CONSISTING OF 1,159 SCREENS AT 189 LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE AT THE END OF FISCAL
1996. IN ADDITION TO ITS THEATRE OPERATIONS, GC COMPANIES MANAGES A POOL OF THE
COMPANY'S CAPITAL THAT IS UTILIZED TO MAKE INVESTMENTS IN A VARIETY OF
INDUSTRIES. 
<PAGE>   3
DEAR SHAREHOLDER:

                        It is with pleasure that we report on the progress of GC
                        Companies. Fiscal year 1996 can be characterized by
                        continued progress on both the strategic and operating
                        fronts of your theatre business and a further
                        enhancement of the Company's investment activities.
                        Together these programs are designed to grow the value
                        of and diversify your Company.

                           Revenues for the year ended October 31, 1996 were
                        $446.0 million compared with $451.3 million for fiscal
                        1995. Net earnings increased 98.1% to $17.2 million, or
                        $2.20 per share, from $8.7 million, or $1.11 per share,
                        in 1995. Our operating earnings, after corporate
                        expenses, increased to $20.3 million, or $1.53 per share
                        after tax, in fiscal 1996, from $18.2 million, or $1.36
                        per share after tax, in the year-earlier period.
                        Full-year 1996 results include a pretax gain of $9.5
                        million on the sale of a minority investment, as well as
                        a pretax charge of $2.5 million relating to a minority
                        investment write-down. The results for fiscal 1995
                        included net pretax charges totaling $6.6 million
                        related to minority investments. GC Companies had fiscal
                        1996 theatre operating earnings of $26.1 million,
                        compared to the $25.9 million in fiscal 1995. In
                        pursuing our goal of continually improving operating
                        margins, we grew our concession business, controlled
                        expenses, added new screens and closed or sold less
                        productive units.

                           We also made important progress in positioning your
                        Company to achieve substantial growth in the coming
                        years. We will continue to pursue the dual goals of
                        continually improving operating margins while building
                        high-impact, state-of-the-art megaplex theatres to meet
                        consumer demand in densely populated urban or suburban
                        areas. Two new megaplexes opened in November 1996 in
                        Chicago, the Northbrook Court 14 and the Randhurst 16,
                        and we have commitments to open 17 new megaplex theatres
                        with approximately 240 screens during the next three
                        years. In fiscal 1997, we plan to open 80 screens in new
                        megaplex theatres in California, Illinois, New Jersey
                        and Pennsylvania. To provide a solid financial
                        foundation for our growth initiatives, we entered into a
                        master operating lease agreement with a major financial
                        institution to provide up to $250 million during the
                        next five years for our theatre building program.

                           Additionally, we have stepped up efforts to close or
                        dispose of less productive units with fewer screens. At
                        fiscal year end 1996, General Cinema Theatres operated
                        1,159 screens in 189 locations for an average 6.1
                        screens per unit, compared to 1,180 screens in 196
                        locations, or an average of 6.0 screens per unit, at
                        fiscal year end 1995.

                           We are well aware of the risks of over building in
                        the exhibition industry and feel that a prudent,
                        disciplined, and selective building program can achieve
                        attractive rates of return on the capital employed. This
                        combination of prudent new investment combined with
                        vigilant pruning of the theatre circuit should position
                        General Cinema Theatres for many years of profitable
                        growth.

                           General Cinema Theatres continues to run one of the
                        most customer-friendly, well maintained, technologically
                        advanced theatre circuits in the industry. We are very
                        proud of our commitment to General Cinema Theatres'
                        entertainment philosophy, which includes delivering
                        superior service, utilizing state-of-the-art audio and
                        visual technology including digital sound systems and
                        introducing leading concession merchandising to enhance
                        the movie-going experience. Through unique product
                        offerings and operating innovations, our concession
                        business generates the highest per capita revenues in
                        the industry. Patrons of our theatres enjoy traditional
                        movie-going favorites as well as specialty products from
                        Starbucks, Taco Bell and Pizzeria Uno. This concession
                        variety, as well as other innovations such as General
                        Cinema's Movie Memorabilia stores creates a special,
                        enjoyable environment for our guests and boosts the
                        profitability of our theatre circuit.



                                       1
<PAGE>   4
                           In order to more fully employ the balance sheet
                        strength of your Company, GC Companies takes investment
                        positions in businesses that we believe will provide
                        substantial returns on the invested cash balances. It is
                        our hope that we can both grow the value of GC Companies
                        and find opportunities to diversify our operational base
                        through this investment process. We were pleased with
                        the progress of our investment activities in 1996.
                        During the fourth quarter, we reported a pretax gain of
                        $9.5 million, or $0.71 per share after tax, from the
                        sale of the Company's radio group investment. In the
                        second quarter, the Company took a pretax loss of $2.5
                        million, or $0.19 per share after tax, relating to our
                        remaining investment in a children's clothing retailer.
                        In the first quarter of 1997, we closed on a $7.0
                        million investment in a wireless location and two-way
                        messaging company.

                           The investment portfolio currently includes minority
                        investments in four companies at an aggregate cost of
                        $57.2 million. In addition to our most recent investment
                        noted above, the portfolio includes a $13.4 million
                        investment in a company which acquires and operates
                        cable television companies in Germany; a $16.6 million
                        investment in a privately held U.K. eyeglass retailer,
                        and a $20.2 million investment in a global
                        telecommunications company.

                           During the year, GC Companies welcomed three
                        important executives to our management team. Gail
                        Edwards joined us in the newly created position of Vice
                        President and Chief Financial Officer. Gail previously
                        was employed by Delaware North Companies Incorporated
                        since 1989, most recently serving as Vice President of
                        Finance and Treasurer. We also welcomed Philip Szabla to
                        the newly created position of Vice President and General
                        Counsel. Since 1979, he was engaged in the private
                        practice of law with the Buffalo firm of Albrecht,
                        Maguire, Heffern & Gregg, P.C. where he was a partner
                        since 1984. At General Cinema Theatres, we welcomed
                        Frank Stryjewski to the position of Senior Vice
                        President of Operations. Frank previously was employed
                        by a major exhibition company since 1978, most recently
                        as Senior Vice President of Operations for that
                        company's south division.

                           GC Companies is poised to continue building value for
                        our shareholders over the coming years. We enter the new
                        year well positioned both strategically and financially.
                        We plan to capitalize on our past successes and look
                        forward to many promising future opportunities. GC
                        Companies' success continues to be possible thanks to
                        you, our shareholders, and our 7,100 employees whose
                        extraordinary commitment to service make our
                        achievements possible.


                        Sincerely,



                        /s/ Richard A. Smith            /s/ Robert A. Smith
                        Richard A. Smith                Robert A. Smith
                        Chairman and                    President and
                        Chief Executive Officer         Chief Operating Officer

                        January 14, 1997

                                       2
<PAGE>   5
GC Companies, Inc.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


(Unaudited)                                                                         Fiscal Years (1)
                                                            ------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollar amounts in thousands except for per share amounts)      1996          1995           1994           1993          1992
==============================================================================================================================
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>   
Revenues                                                    $446,003      $451,308       $452,563       $495,031       $457,230
Operating earnings                                            20,296        18,164         16,866         18,350         10,213
Investment income (loss), net                                 10,107        (2,316)         1,640             96            477
Interest expense                                                (639)         (631)          (648)          (605)          (655)
Gain (loss) on disposition of theatre assets                    (540)         (463)         5,188           (600)             -
                                                            --------      --------       --------       --------       --------
Earnings before taxes and cumulative effect of
   accounting change                                          29,224        14,754         23,046         17,241         10,035
Income tax expense                                           (11,982)       (6,049)        (9,449)        (6,738)        (3,863)
Accounting change, net of income taxes (2)                         -             -              -              -         (3,182)
                                                            --------      --------       --------       --------       --------
Net earnings                                                $ 17,242      $  8,705       $ 13,597       $ 10,503       $  2,990
                                                            ========      ========       ========       ========       ========
Weighted average number of common
   and common equivalent shares outstanding                    7,851         7,855          7,841              -              -
Net earnings per common share (3)                           $   2.20      $   1.11       $   1.73       $      -       $      -
                                                            ========      ========       ========       ========       ========
Depreciation and amortization                               $ 19,369      $ 19,367       $ 19,649       $ 21,985       $ 20,876
Total assets                                                $314,303      $300,067       $296,658       $210,535       $214,362
Capital lease obligations                                   $  3,059      $  3,623       $  4,179       $  4,756       $  6,108
Other long-term liabilities                                 $ 29,029      $ 28,156       $ 28,016       $ 27,551       $ 25,538
Number of movie screens                                        1,159         1,180          1,211          1,344          1,390
Number of locations                                              189           196            208            245            265
</TABLE>


(1)     The selected financial data are derived from the financial statements of
        the Company and it's predecessor. The historical financial statements of
        the Company for the years prior to 1994 do not necessarily reflect the
        results of operations or the financial position that would have been
        obtained had the Company been an independent public company.

(2)     Represents the cumulative effect of a change in accounting for
        postretirement health care benefits. 

(3)     Net earnings per common share have not been presented for the years
        ended October 31, 1993 and 1992 as the Company was not an independent
        entity with a capital structure of its own during those periods. 3



                                       3
<PAGE>   6
GC Companies, Inc.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


           YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1996 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1995

           Net earnings increased 98.1% to $17.2 million in 1996 from $8.7
           million in 1995. Net earnings in 1996 included a pretax gain of $9.5
           million from the sale of GC Companies' (GCC or the Company) radio
           group investment, a pretax charge of $2.5 million related to the
           write-down of the Company's remaining investment in a children's
           clothing retailer, and $3.8 million of dividend and interest income
           from short-term investments. Net earnings in 1995 included pretax
           charges totaling $7.9 million related to write-downs of two minority
           investments, $1.3 million of dividend income received from another
           minority investment and $4.3 million of dividend and interest income
           from short-term investments. Theatre operating earnings increased to
           $26.1 million in 1996 from $25.9 million in 1995. Operating earnings
           after corporate expenses for 1996 were $20.3 million, an increase of
           11.7% from $18.2 million in 1995.

           Theatre revenues
           
           Revenues of $446.0 million were slightly below 1995 revenues of
           $451.3 million. The decrease was principally due to a 3.6% decline in
           patronage, partially offset by a 1.5% increase in the average ticket
           price and a 3.2% increase in concession sales per patron. The
           increase in concession sales per patron was attributable to both
           higher consumption and higher prices. The decrease in patronage from
           1995 was due to the lack of strong film product in the latter half of
           the fiscal year as well as the sale or closing of 20 theatres with 86
           screens during 1996 and late 1995. These dispositions were consistent
           with the Company's strategy to sell or close theatres which are less
           productive and have fewer screens per location. At October 31, 1996
           the Company operated 1,159 screens compared to 1,180 screens at
           October 31, 1995.

           Cost of theatre operations

           Cost of theatre operations, including theatre general and
           administrative expenses, of $419.9 million in 1996 decreased 1.3%
           from $425.4 million in the previous year. As a percentage of
           revenues, the cost of theatre operations was 94.1% in 1996 compared
           to 94.3% in 1995. The improvement was primarily attributable to cost
           containment efforts both at home office and the field, partially
           offset by a lower film gross margin.

           Corporate expenses

           Corporate expenses decreased 25.0% to $5.8 million in 1996 from $7.8
           million in 1995. The cost savings primarily resulted from a reduction
           in corporate and administrative services provided to the Company by
           Harcourt General, Inc. (Harcourt General).

           Investment income (loss), net

           The Company recorded net investment income of $10.1 million in 1996
           compared to a net investment loss of $2.3 million in 1995. The
           Company's investment income in 1996 included a pretax net gain of
           $9.5 million recorded in the fourth quarter relating to the sale of
           the Company's radio group investment, a second-quarter pretax charge
           of $2.5 million related to the write-off of the Company's remaining
           investment in a children's clothing retailer, a $0.6 million pretax
           charge recorded in the first quarter representing the Company's share
           of losses incurred by its radio group investment when such investment
           was accounted for under the equity method, and $3.8 million of
           dividend and interest income. The Company determined that the
           write-off of its remaining investment 

                                       4
<PAGE>   7
           in the children's clothing retailer was necessary due to that
           company's continued operating losses and cash flow problems. 

           The Company's net investment loss in 1995 included a $5.0 million
           pretax charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 1995 to write down a
           substantial portion of the Company's investment in a children's
           clothing retailer, a $2.9 million pretax charge recorded in the first
           quarter of 1995 to write off the Company's remaining investment in a
           food service company, $1.3 million of dividend income received from
           another minority investment and $4.3 million of dividend and interest
           income. The decrease in dividend and interest income in 1996 was due
           to a lower rate of return on portfolio assets.

           Income tax expense

           GCC's effective tax rate was 41.0% in 1996, unchanged from 1995.

           YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1995 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1994

           Net earnings decreased 36.0% to $8.7 million in 1995 from $13.6
           million in 1994. Net earnings in 1995 included pretax charges
           totaling $7.9 million related to write-downs of two minority
           investments. The Company's dividend and interest income in 1995 was
           $5.6 million. Net earnings in 1994 included a $5.2 million pretax
           gain on the sale of 23 theatres, $2.8 million of interest and
           dividend income and a $1.2 million pretax minority investment loss.
           Theatre operating earnings increased 15.1% to $25.9 million in 1995
           from $22.5 million in 1994. Operating earnings after corporate
           expenses for 1995 were $18.2 million, an increase of 7.7% from $16.9
           million in 1994.

           Theatre revenues

           Total revenues of $451.3 million were slightly below 1994 revenues of
           $452.6 million. The decrease was principally due to a 4.8% decline in
           patronage, substantially offset by a 3.2% increase in the average
           ticket price and a 7.6% increase in concession sales per patron. The
           increase in concession sales per patron was attributable to both
           higher consumption and higher prices. The decrease in patronage from
           1994 was primarily due to the sale or closing of 12 theatres with 54
           screens during the fiscal year. These dispositions were consistent
           with the Company's strategy to sell or close theatres which are less
           productive and have fewer screens per location. The Company operated
           1,180 screens at October 31, 1995 compared to 1,211 screens at
           October 31, 1994.

           Cost of theatre operations

           Cost of theatre operations, including theatre general and
           administrative expenses, of $425.4 million in 1995 decreased slightly
           from $430.0 million in the previous year. As a percentage of
           revenues, the cost of theatre operations was 94.3% in 1995 compared
           to 95.0% in 1994. The improvement was primarily attributable to
           higher film gross margins, partially offset by higher concession
           costs.

           Corporate expenses

           Corporate expenses increased to $7.8 million in 1995 from $5.6
           million in 1994. The increase was principally due to increased
           charges for corporate and administrative services provided to the
           Company by Harcourt General and to expenses associated with the
           Company's investment operations.

           Investment income (loss), net

           The Company's investment loss included a $2.9 million pretax charge
           recorded in the first quarter of 1995 to write off the Company's
           remaining investment in a food service company and a $5.0 million
           pretax charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 1995 to write down
           the Company's investment 

                                       5
<PAGE>   8
           in a children's clothing retailer. The Company determined that the
           write-down of its investment in the children's clothing retailer was
           necessary because expected improvements in that company's sales and
           operating margins during the critical "back-to-school" season did not
           materialize and because of overall weakness in the retail environment
           generally. These charges were reduced by $1.3 million of dividend
           income received from another minority investment. In addition, with
           respect to the Company's cash, cash equivalents and short-term
           investments, the Company earned dividend and interest income of $4.3
           million, up from $2.8 million in 1994, due to both a higher rate of
           return on and an increase in the amount of those assets.

           Gain (loss) on disposition of theatre assets

           A net pretax loss of $0.5 million resulted from the disposition of 12
           theatre units in 1995. In 1994, the Company recorded a pretax gain of
           $5.2 million on the disposition of 23 theatre units.

           Income tax expense

           GCC's effective tax rate was 41.0% in 1995, unchanged from 1994.

           LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

             Virtually all of GCC's revenues are collected in cash, principally
           through theatre admissions and concession sales. Because revenues are
           received in cash prior to the payment of related expenses, the
           Company has historically not required working capital to finance its
           growth or to meet its operating requirements. Cash generated by the
           business in excess of that needed for operations and capital
           expenditures will be available for investment.

             The Company's investing activities primarily relate to the opening
           of new theatres, the renovation of existing theatres and investing in
           other companies. During 1996, theatre capital expenditures amounted
           to $10.8 million. A total of eight new screens were added to two
           locations. Capital expenditures were down significantly from the
           prior year because of the use, in the second half of 1996, of the
           Company's new operating lease facility described below. Total capital
           expenditures for the motion picture exhibition business are expected
           to approximate $9.2 million in 1997.

             The Company has commitments to open 17 new megaplex theatres with
           approximately 270 screens during the next three years, including 80
           screens in fiscal 1997. Two new units with a combined 30 screens
           opened in the Chicago area in November 1996. The Company has an
           agreement with a major financial institution to provide operating
           leases for up to $250 million of assets over the next five years for
           its theatre circuit expansion program. At October 31, 1996, current
           assets included a $17.6 million receivable due from this institution.
           The Company collected this receivable in December 1996.

             During 1996, the Company closed eight units with 32 screens. In
           addition, the Company announced in October 1996 that its theatre
           circuit has targeted smaller, older units with approximately 280
           screens for sale or trade. These dispositions would be consistent
           with the Company's strategy to sell or close theatres which are less
           productive and have fewer screens.

             In October 1996, GCC realized a $9.5 million pretax gain upon the
           sale of its investment in a radio group that operated radio stations
           in the San Francisco, Las Vegas and Albuquerque markets. GCC received
           total proceeds of $22.8 million relating to these sales transactions.
           GCC's portion of funds remaining in escrow relating to these
           transactions amount to $0.6 million.

             During July and August 1996, the Company invested a total of $20.2
           million in an international telecommunications company with
           operations in Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, India
           and China. On December 6, 1996, the Company invested $7.0 million in
           a wireless location and two-way messaging company.

             The Company has significant lease commitments. Minimum lease 
           payments totaled $57.7 million in 1996 and minimum lease payments 
           from existing obligations are expected to approximate $58.9 million
           in 1997. Additional lease commitments will arise as the Company
           implements its new operating lease facility.


                                       6
<PAGE>   9
             In December 1996, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the
           repurchase of up to one million shares of the Company's common stock
           over the next twelve months. The repurchases may be made through open
           market and private transactions, subject to market conditions.

             The Company believes that cash generated from operations, cash and
           short-term investments on hand, the $50.0 million available under the
           Company's revolving credit agreement, which expires in March 1997,
           and the operating lease arrangement will be sufficient to fund
           operating requirements, capital expenditures and the Company's
           investment activities for the foreseeable future.

           SEASONALITY

           GCC's revenues and operating earnings are significantly affected by
           the commercial success of the films that are exhibited. Major film
           distributors release most of the films which they anticipate will be
           the most commercially successful during GCC's first and third fiscal
           quarters. Accordingly, a significant portion of GCC's revenues and
           operating earnings from theatre operations occur in those periods.

           IMPACT OF INFLATION

           GCC's financial statements are prepared on a historical cost basis
           under generally accepted accounting principles. GCC adjusts its
           prices to maintain profit levels, and will continue to do so as
           competitive conditions permit. In general, management believes that
           the impact of inflation is not material to the financial condition or
           results of operations of the Company.

           RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

           In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
           issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
           "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS 123), which is
           effective for transactions entered into in fiscal years that begin
           after December 15, 1995. SFAS 123 establishes a fair value based
           method of accounting for stock-based compensation plans, which may be
           recognized or disclosed at the Company's option. The Company will
           adopt the disclosure approach beginning in fiscal year 1997. The
           effect of adopting SFAS 123 is not expected to be material to the
           Company's financial position or results of operations.

           FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

           From time to time, the Company or its representatives have made or
           may make forward-looking statements, orally or in writing, including
           those contained herein. Such forward-looking statements may be
           included in, without limitation, reports to stockholders, press
           releases, oral statements made with the approval of an authorized
           executive officer of the Company and filings with the Securities and
           Exchange Commission. The words or phrases "anticipates," "expects,"
           "will continue," "estimates," "projects," or similar expressions are
           intended to identify "forward-looking statements" within the meaning
           of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

             The results contemplated by the Company's forward-looking 
           statements are subject to certain risks, trends, and uncertainties 
           that could cause actual results to vary materially from anticipated 
           results, including without limitation, delays in obtaining leases for
           new megaplex locations, construction risks and delays, the lack of
           strong film product, the impact of competition, market and other 
           risks associated with the Company's investment activities and other
           factors described herein.

                                       7
<PAGE>   10
GC Companies, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                  October 31,
                                                           ------------------------
(In thousands)                                                   1996          1995
===================================================================================
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>
Assets
Current assets
   Cash and cash equivalents                               $   71,745     $  35,999
   Short-term investments                                       1,566        35,313
   Receivable due from financing institution                   17,599             -
   Other current assets                                         3,602         5,664
   Deferred income taxes                                        2,552         2,850
                                                           ----------     ---------
         Total current assets                                  97,064        79,826
Land                                                            4,607         4,607
Buildings and improvements                                     27,777        27,834
Leasehold improvements                                        145,872       142,933
Equipment and fixtures                                        147,705       144,135
                                                           ----------     ---------
                                                              325,961       319,509
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization               (163,980)     (148,233)
                                                           ----------     ---------
                                                              161,981       171,276
Other assets                                                   55,258        48,965
                                                           ----------     ---------
                                                           $  314,303     $ 300,067
                                                           ==========     =========  
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities
   Current maturities of long-term obligations             $      721     $     716
   Trade payables                                              30,514        33,094
   Other current liabilities                                   62,428        61,713
                                                           ----------     ---------
         Total current liabilities                             93,663        95,523
Long-term liabilities
   Capital lease obligations                                    3,059         3,623
   Other long-term liabilities                                 29,029        28,156
                                                           ----------     ---------
         Total long-term liabilities                           32,088        31,779
Deferred income taxes                                          12,571        14,061
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity
   Common stock - $.01 par value
Authorized - 25,000
      Issued and outstanding - 7,816 and 7,812                     78            78
   Additional paid-in capital                                 136,359       136,324
   Retained earnings                                           39,544        22,302
                                                           ----------     ---------
         Total shareholders' equity                           175,981       158,704
                                                           ----------     ---------
                                                           $  314,303     $ 300,067
                                                           ==========     =========
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                       8
<PAGE>   11
GC Companies, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                       Years ended October 31,
                                                              -------------------------------------
(In thousands except for per share amounts)                        1996           1995          1994
===================================================================================================
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>           <C>
Revenues
   Admissions                                                 $302,852       $309,562      $315,343
   Concessions                                                 131,500        132,159       129,080
   Other                                                        11,651          9,587         8,140
                                                              --------       --------      --------
                                                               446,003        451,308       452,563
Costs of theatre operations
   Film rentals                                                155,441        156,626       163,204
   Concessions                                                  24,522         27,547        25,412
   Theatre operations and administrative expenses              220,561        221,848       221,786
   Depreciation and amortization                                19,369         19,367        19,649
                                                              --------       --------      --------
                                                               419,893        425,388       430,051
Corporate expenses                                               5,814          7,756         5,646
                                                              --------       --------      --------
Operating earnings                                              20,296         18,164        16,866
Investment income (loss), net                                   10,107         (2,316)        1,640
Interest expense                                                  (639)          (631)         (648)
Gain (loss) on disposition of theatre assets                      (540)          (463)        5,188
                                                              --------       --------      --------
Earnings before income taxes                                    29,224         14,754        23,046
Income tax expense                                             (11,982)        (6,049)       (9,449)
                                                              --------       --------      --------
Net earnings                                                  $ 17,242       $  8,705      $ 13,597
                                                              ========       ========      ========
Weighted average number of common and
   common equivalent shares outstanding                          7,851          7,855         7,841
                                                              ========       ========      ========

Net earnings per common share                                 $   2.20       $   1.11      $   1.73
                                                              ========       ========      ========
</TABLE>




See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                       9
<PAGE>   12
GC Companies, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                       Years ended October 31,
                                                              -------------------------------------
(In thousands except for per share amounts)                        1996           1995          1994
===================================================================================================
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>           <C>
Cash flows from operating activities
   Net earnings                                               $ 17,242       $ 8,705       $ 13,597
   Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
      provided by operating activities
         Depreciation and amortization                          19,369        19,367         19,649
         Deferred income taxes                                  (1,192)       (1,880)        (4,285)
         (Gain) loss from minority investments                  (6,307)        7,877          1,167
         Loss (gain) on disposition of theatre assets              540           463         (5,188)
         Changes in assets and liabilities
            Trade payables                                      (2,580)       (5,971)         5,037
            Other current assets and liabilities               (14,822)        1,799         (1,465)
                                                              --------       -------       --------
   Net cash provided by operating activities                    12,250        30,360         28,512
                                                              --------       -------       --------
Cash flows from investing activities
   Capital expenditures                                        (10,750)      (17,326)        (9,549)
   Proceeds from the disposition of theatre assets                 758         3,263         21,249
   Proceeds from the liquidation of (purchase of)
      short-term investments                                    33,747       (35,313)             -
   Proceeds from the sale of investment                         22,825               -            -
   Purchase of investments                                     (20,195)      (29,385)       (24,738)
   Other investing activities                                   (3,409)         (535)        (1,911)
                                                              --------       -------       --------
   Net cash provided (used) by investing activities             22,976       (79,296)       (14,949)
                                                              --------       -------       --------
Cash flows from financing activities
   Distribution from Harcourt General                                -             -         63,573
   Other financing activities                                      520           (86)            95
                                                              --------       -------       --------
   Net cash provided (used) by financing activities                520           (86)        63,668
                                                              --------       -------       --------
   Net change in cash and cash equivalents                      35,746       (49,022)        77,231
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                  35,999        85,021          7,790
                                                              --------       -------       --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                      $ 71,745       $35,999       $ 85,021
                                                              ========       =======       ========
</TABLE>



See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                       10
<PAGE>   13
GC Companies, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                               Common Stock           Additional
                                          -----------------------      Paid-in       Retained
(In thousands)                            Shares           Amount      Capital       Earnings        Total
===========================================================================================================
<S>                                       <C>              <C>        <C>            <C>           <C>
Balance at October 31, 1993                    -             -               -             -              -
   Issuance of common stock                7,780           $78        $135,726             -       $135,804
   Net earnings                                -             -               -       $13,597         13,597
   Other equity transactions                  22             -             122             -            122
                                           -----           ---        --------       -------       --------
Balance at October 31, 1994                7,802            78         135,848        13,597        149,523
   Net earnings                                -             -               -         8,705          8,705
   Other equity transactions                  10             -             476             -            476
                                           -----           ---        --------       -------       --------
Balance at October 31, 1995                7,812            78         136,324        22,302        158,704
   Net earnings                                -             -               -        17,242         17,242
   Other equity transactions                   4             -              35             -             35
                                           -----           ---        --------       -------       --------
Balance at October 31, 1996                7,816           $78        $136,359       $39,544       $175,981
                                           =====           ===        ========       =======       ========
</TABLE>


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                       11

<PAGE>   14
GC Companies, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1.                      ORGANIZATION
================================================================================

                        GC Companies, Inc. (GCC or the Company) operates a
                        motion picture exhibition business and manages a pool of
                        the Company's capital for investments. The Company was
                        incorporated in September 1993 as a wholly-owned
                        subsidiary of Harcourt General, Inc. (Harcourt General).
                        In December 1993, Harcourt General completed a spin-off
                        of GCC in a tax-free distribution to Harcourt General's
                        shareholders. Under the plan of distribution, Harcourt
                        General transferred to GCC net assets related to its
                        motion picture exhibition business with a book value of
                        $135.8 million, which included $64.0 million in cash.

2.                      SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
================================================================================

                        Principles of Presentation

                        The consolidated financial statements include the
                        accounts of GCC and all of its majority-owned
                        subsidiaries. Where GCC has the ability to exercise
                        significant influence over the operating and financial
                        policies of companies in which GCC has invested, those
                        investments are accounted for under the equity method,
                        and GCC's share of the net earnings or losses of those
                        companies is included in consolidated net earnings;
                        other investments are carried at the lower of cost or
                        fair market value. All significant intercompany accounts
                        and transactions have been eliminated.

                           As a result of the spin-off, Harcourt General has no
                        ownership interest in GCC. However, GCC and Harcourt
                        General have entered into various agreements which
                        govern their ongoing relationship, including a
                        Reimbursement and Security Agreement and an Intercompany
                        Services Agreement.

                           Under the Reimbursement and Security Agreement, GCC
                        has agreed to indemnify Harcourt General from losses
                        Harcourt General could incur due to its secondary
                        liability on theatre leases which were transferred to
                        GCC as part of the spin-off. In order to secure its
                        obligations under the Reimbursement and Security
                        Agreement, GCC pledged all of the stock of its theatre
                        subsidiaries to Harcourt General. In addition, GCC has
                        agreed to certain financial covenants for the benefit of
                        Harcourt General.

                           Under the Intercompany Services Agreement entered
                        into at the time of the spin-off, Harcourt General
                        provided certain management, accounting, financial,
                        legal, tax and other corporate services to GCC. The fees
                        for these services, which totaled $1.1 million in 1996,
                        $3.1 million in 1995 and $1.7 million in 1994, were
                        based on Harcourt General's costs. This agreement was
                        modified effective November 1, 1995 to reduce the level
                        of intercompany services which Harcourt General provides
                        to GCC. The Intercompany Services Agreement provides for
                        the services of Harcourt General's Chairman and Chief
                        Executive Officer to serve as the Chairman and Chief
                        Executive Officer of the Company, and one of Harcourt
                        General's Presidents and Co-Chief Operating Officers to
                        serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of GCC,
                        and such additional corporate services as GCC and
                        Harcourt General may mutually determine from time to
                        time. The fees payable to Harcourt General under the
                        Intercompany Services Agreement have been, and will
                        continue to be, subject to the approval of a committee
                        of independent directors of GCC who are not affiliated
                        with Harcourt General.



                                       12
<PAGE>   15
                        Cash Equivalents

                        Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments
                        with maturities of three months or less from the date of
                        purchase. Cash equivalents are stated at cost plus
                        accrued interest, which approximates market value. The
                        Company's policy is to invest cash with financial
                        institutions or in instruments that have acceptable
                        credit ratings and to limit the amount of credit
                        exposure to any one financial institution or issuer.

                        Short-Term Investments

                        Short-term investments, which consist of commercial
                        paper, certificates of deposit, corporate debt
                        securities and U.S. Government securities, are carried
                        at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair
                        value.

                        Property and Equipment

                        Property and equipment are stated at cost, less
                        accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation
                        and amortization are provided using the straight-line
                        method over the estimated useful lives of 20 to 30 years
                        for buildings and improvements and 3 to 20 years for
                        equipment and fixtures. Leasehold improvements are
                        amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser
                        of the lease period or the estimated useful lives of the
                        leasehold improvements.

                           When property and equipment are retired or have been
                        fully depreciated, the cost and the related accumulated
                        depreciation are eliminated from the respective
                        accounts. Gains or losses arising from dispositions of
                        property and equipment are reported as income or
                        expense.

                        Long-Lived Assets

                        On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates the carrying
                        value of its long-lived assets relying on a number of
                        factors, including operating results, future anticipated
                        cash flows, business plans and certain economic
                        projections. In addition, the Company's evaluation
                        considers nonfinancial data such as changes in the
                        operating environment, competitive information, market
                        trends and business relationships. The Company believes
                        the carrying value of its long-lived assets at October
                        31, 1996 to be economically recoverable.

                        Income Taxes

                        Income taxes are calculated in accordance with Statement
                        of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, which
                        requires the asset and liability method of accounting
                        for income taxes.

                        Revenues

                        Revenues are recognized when admission and concession
                        proceeds are received at the theatres. Revenues for
                        other services are recognized at the time those services
                        are rendered.

                        Film Rental Costs

                        Film rental costs are recognized as a percentage of
                        admission revenue and in accordance with the terms of
                        the film licenses.

                        Net Earnings Per Common and Common Equivalent Share

                        Net earnings per common share are based upon the
                        weighted average number of common and, when dilutive,
                        common equivalent shares outstanding during the year.
                        Net earnings per common and common equivalent share,
                        assuming full dilution, have not been presented because
                        the dilutive effect is not material.


                                       13
<PAGE>   16
                        Significant Estimates

                        In the process of preparing its consolidated financial
                        statements, the Company estimates the appropriate
                        carrying value of certain assets and liabilities which
                        are not readily apparent from other sources. The primary
                        estimates underlying the Company's consolidated
                        financial statements include accruals for pension and
                        postretirement benefits, self insurance and other
                        matters. Actual results could differ from these
                        estimates. Management bases its estimates on historical
                        experience and on various assumptions which are believed
                        to be reasonable under the circumstances.

                        Recent Accounting Pronouncements

                        In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards
                        Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting
                        Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
                        Compensation" (SFAS 123), which is effective for
                        transactions entered into in fiscal years that begin
                        after December 15, 1995. SFAS 123 establishes a fair
                        value based method of accounting for stock-based
                        compensation plans, which may be recognized or disclosed
                        at the Company's option. The Company will adopt the
                        disclosure approach beginning in fiscal year 1997. The
                        effect of adopting SFAS 123 is not expected to be
                        material to the Company's financial position or results
                        of operations.

                        Changes in Presentation

                        Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to
                        conform to the current year presentation.

3.                      OTHER ASSETS
================================================================================

                        Included in other assets at October 31 were the
                        following investments in other companies, which are
                        accounted for under the cost method at October 31, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                        (In thousands)                                          1996            1995
                        ============================================================================
<S>                     <C>                                                    <C>           <C>
                        International telecommunications service provider      $20,195       $     -
                        Optical superstore retailer                             16,624        16,624
                        German cable television systems operator                13,368        13,368
                        Radio station operator                                       -        12,485
                        Children's apparel retailer                                  -         2,500
                                                                               -------       -------
                                                                               $50,187       $44,977
                                                                               =======       =======
</TABLE>

                        During July and August 1996, the Company invested a
                        total of $20.2 million in an international
                        telecommunications company with operations in Europe,
                        the Commonwealth of Independent States, India and China.

                           Gains or losses recognized on these investments are
                        discussed in Note 12.


                                       14
<PAGE>   17
4.                      OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
================================================================================

                        Other current liabilities consisted of the following at
                        October 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                        (In thousands)                                          1996            1995
                        ============================================================================
                        <S>                                                    <C>            <C>
                        Rent and related charges                               $11,035        $11,983
                        Payroll and related benefits                             5,827          6,543
                        Self insurance                                          14,198         13,887
                        Deferred income                                         15,668         14,461
                        Other                                                   15,700         14,839
                                                                               -------        -------
                                                                               $62,428        $61,713
                                                                               =======        =======
</TABLE>

5.                      LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
================================================================================

                        Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following
                        at October 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                        (In thousands)                                          1996            1995
                        ============================================================================
                        <S>                                                    <C>           <C>
                        Deferred lease obligations                             $18,651       $18,012
                        Postretirement health care benefits (see Note 10)        6,270         6,341
                        Other                                                    4,108         3,803
                                                                               -------       -------
                                                                               $29,029       $28,156
                                                                               =======       =======
</TABLE>

                        The present value of the future minimum lease payments
                        due under capital lease obligations are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                        (In thousands)                        Capital Leases
                        ====================================================
                        <S>                                    <C>
                        1997                                         $  564
                        1998                                            598
                        1999                                            567
                        2000                                            626
                        2001                                            661
                        Thereafter                                      607
                                                                     ------
                                                                     $ 3,623
                                                                     ======= 
</TABLE>

                        The net book value of property under capital leases was
                        $1.7 million at October 31,  1996 and $2.0c million at 
                        October 31, 1995.


                                       15
<PAGE>   18
6.                      REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
================================================================================

                        The Company has a revolving credit agreement with two
                        banks pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to
                        $50.0 million. The rate of interest payable varies
                        according to one of two options selected by the Company.
                        The Company is required to pay a facility fee on the
                        total amount of the revolving credit facility and a
                        commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility.
                        This agreement expires in March 1997. This agreement
                        contains provisions requiring, among other restrictions,
                        the maintenance of a minimum net worth, restrictions on
                        the payment of dividends and limitations on the issuance
                        of additional debt. There have not been any borrowings
                        under this agreement in any of the last three years.

7.                      SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
================================================================================

                        Common Stock

                        Common Stock is entitled to dividends if declared by the
                        Board of Directors, and each share carries one vote.
                        Holders of Common Stock have no cumulative voting,
                        redemption or preemptive rights.

                        Common Stock Incentive Plan

                        The Company has a Common Stock incentive plan which
                        provides for the granting of stock options, stock
                        appreciation rights, restricted stock or other stock
                        based awards. In connection with the spin-off from
                        Harcourt General, certain options to purchase Harcourt
                        General Common Stock held by employees of GCC were
                        converted into options to purchase GCC Common Stock
                        pursuant to a formula calculated following the spin-off.
                        After the spin-off, GCC issued options at prices and in
                        amounts determined by application of that formula. The
                        term of all converted options was not changed. Options
                        outstanding at October 31, 1996, which include the
                        converted options, were granted at prices not less than
                        100% of the fair market value on the date of original
                        grant. At October 31, 1996, option exercise prices
                        ranged from $15.81 to $35.00 per share and the options
                        had terms which expire between 1997 and 2005. There were
                        54 employees with options outstanding at October 31,
                        1996. The weighted average exercise price for all
                        outstanding options at October 31, 1996 was $24.58.

                           At October 31, 1996, there were 518,939 shares of
                        Common Stock available for grants under the plan.

                           Option activity was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Years ended October 31,
                                                                          ------------------------------------
                                                                             1996           1995          1994
                        ======================================================================================
                        <S>                                               <C>            <C>           <C>
                        Options outstanding - beginning of year           137,949        189,574             -
                        Conversion of Harcourt General options                  -              -       152,539
                        Granted                                            30,475         25,350        53,792
                        Exercised                                         (15,220)       (50,812)       (7,605)
                        Canceled                                          (14,984)       (26,163)       (9,152)
                                                                          -------        -------       -------
                        Options outstanding - end of year                 138,220        137,949       189,574
                                                                          =======        =======       =======
                        Exercisable options - end of year                  70,211         71,938        93,800
                                                                          =======        =======       =======
                        Restricted Common Stock issued                          -              -        12,343
                                                                          =======        =======       =======
</TABLE>







                                       16
<PAGE>   19
8.                      RETIREMENT PLANS
================================================================================

                        GCC has a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan
                        covering substantially all full-time employees. GCC also
                        sponsors an unfunded supplemental executive retirement
                        plan which provides certain employees additional pension
                        benefits. Benefits under the plans are based on years of
                        service and compensation prior to retirement. When
                        funding is required for the defined benefit plans, the
                        policy is to contribute amounts that are deductible for
                        federal income tax purposes. Pension plan assets consist
                        primarily of equity and fixed income securities.

                           After the spin-off, the projected benefit obligations
                        relating to GCC employees were assumed by the GCC
                        defined benefit plans, and approximately $20.4 million
                        in plan assets was transferred from Harcourt General's
                        defined benefit pension plan to the GCC defined benefit
                        pension plan.

                        Net pension income included the following components:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Years ended October 31,
                                                                          ------------------------------------
                                                                             1996           1995          1994
                        ======================================================================================
                        <S>                                               <C>            <C>           <C>
                        Service cost                                      $   426        $   595       $   469
                        Interest cost on projected benefit obligation       1,104          1,388         1,249
                        Actual return on plan assets                       (3,952)        (1,826)          337
                        Net amortization and deferral                       1,423           (275)       (2,436)
                                                                          -------        -------       -------
                        Net pension income                                $  (999)       $  (118)      $  (381)
                                                                          =======        =======       =======
</TABLE>

                        The significant actuarial assumptions as of the year-end
                        measurement dates were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Years ended October 31,
                                                                          ------------------------------------
                                                                             1996           1995          1994
                        ======================================================================================
                        <S>                                               <C>            <C>           <C>
                        Discount rate                                     7.5%           7.5%          7.5%
                        Rate of compensation increases                    5.0%           5.0%          5.0%
                        Rate of return on plan assets                     9.0%           9.0%          9.0%
</TABLE>


                                       17
<PAGE>   20
                        The plans' funded status and amounts recognized in the
                        consolidated balance sheets at October 31 were as
                        follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    1996                         1995
                                                                          ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Funded       Unfunded         Funded      Unfunded
                        (In thousands)                                        Plan           Plan           Plan          Plan
                        ======================================================================================================
                        <S>                                               <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
                        Vested benefit obligation                         $10,864        $ 1,133        $13,020       $   896
                                                                          =======        =======        =======       =======
                        Accumulated benefit obligation                    $11,532        $ 1,300        $13,563       $ 1,362
                                                                          =======        =======        =======       =======
                        Projected benefit obligation                      $14,328        $ 1,572        $18,084       $ 1,907
                        Pension plan assets at fair value                  25,431              -         22,294             - 
                                                                          -------        -------        -------       -------
                        Overfunded (unfunded) projected obligations        11,103         (1,572)         4,210        (1,907)
                        Unrecognized net asset at transition               (1,412)             -         (1,765)            -
                        Unrecognized net (gain) loss                       (7,333)           235         (1,268)          545
                                                                          -------        -------        -------       -------
                        Pension asset (liability) recognized in
                           the balance sheet                              $ 2,358        $(1,337)       $ 1,177       $(1,362)
                                                                          =======        =======        =======       =======
</TABLE>


                        In addition to the defined benefit plans, GCC has two
                        defined contribution plans for certain employees. The
                        GCC Savings Plan permits employee contributions and
                        provides for certain matching contributions by the
                        Company. The GCC Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is
                        non-contributory.

9.                      COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
================================================================================

                        Leases

                        GCC conducts a significant part of its operations in
                        leased premises under noncancelable leases, the majority
                        with terms of 20 years. These leases generally provide
                        for the payment of fixed monthly rentals, contingent
                        rentals based on a percentage of revenue over a
                        specified amount and the payment of property taxes,
                        common area maintenance, insurance and repairs. At its
                        option, GCC can renew a substantial portion of such
                        leases for various periods up to 20 years. Certain of
                        GCC's leases require periodic increased rentals. The
                        rental costs on these leases have been recognized on a
                        straight-line basis and are included in deferred lease
                        obligations. On theatre locations assigned to third
                        parties, GCC is secondarily liable for certain lease
                        commitments which extend through 2023 and totaled
                        approximately $80.8 million at October 31, 1996.

                           Assuming renewal options are not exercised, the
                        future minimum payments under noncancelable operating
                        leases as of October 31, 1996 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                        (In thousands)                       Operating Leases
                        =====================================================
                        <S>                                      <C>
                        1997                                     $ 58,902
                        1998                                       58,639
                        1999                                       58,094
                        2000                                       57,402
                        2001                                       56,678
                        Thereafter                                395,338
                                                                 --------
                                                                 $685,053
                                                                 ========
</TABLE>



                                       18
<PAGE>   21
                        Rent expense under noncancelable leases was as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Years ended October 31,
                                                                          ------------------------------------
                                                                             1996           1995          1994
                        ======================================================================================
                        <S>                                               <C>            <C>           <C>
                        Minimum rentals                                   $57,683        $57,218       $56,064
                        Percentage rentals based on revenues                3,913          4,744         5,269
                                                                          -------        -------       -------
                                                                          $61,596        $61,962       $61,333
                                                                          =======        =======       =======
</TABLE>

                           The Company has an agreement with a major financial
                        institution to provide operating leases for up to $250
                        million of assets over the next five years for its
                        theatre circuit expansion program. At October 31, 1996,
                        current assets included a $17.6 million receivable due
                        from this institution related to leases covered under
                        this new agreement. The Company collected this
                        receivable in December 1996.

                        Litigation

                        GCC is involved in various suits and claims in the
                        ordinary course of business. Management does not believe
                        that the disposition of such suits and claims will have
                        a material adverse effect upon the consolidated
                        financial position or continuing operations of the
                        Company.

10.                     POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH CARE BENEFITS
================================================================================

                        The Company provides health care benefits for retired
                        employees which are funded as claims are incurred.
                        Retirees and active employees hired prior to March 1,
                        1989 are eligible for these benefits if they meet
                        certain service and minimum age requirements. The
                        Company paid $233,000, $251,000 and $149,000 during
                        fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, for
                        postretirement health care benefit claims.

                           The actuarial present value of accumulated
                        postretirement benefit obligations and the amounts
                        recognized in GCC's consolidated balance sheets as of
                        October 31 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                        (In thousands)                                         1996           1995
                        ===========================================================================
                        <S>                                                  <C>            <C>
                        Retirees                                             $3,014         $3,527
                        Fully eligible active plan participants                 525            778
                        Other active plan participants                          653            882
                        Unrecognized net gain                                 2,078          1,154
                                                                             ------         ------
                        Accrued postretirement benefit obligation            $6,270         $6,341
                                                                             ======         ======
</TABLE>


                                       19
<PAGE>   22
                        The postretirement benefit cost relating to GCC's
                        employees was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Years ended October 31,
                                                                          ------------------------------------
                                                                           1996           1995          1994
                        ======================================================================================
                        <S>                                               <C>            <C>           <C>
                        Service cost                                      $  34          $  51         $ 115
                        Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
                           benefit obligation                               299            367           384
                        Net amortization                                   (171)          (130)         (154)
                                                                          -----          -----         -----
                        Net postretirement benefit cost                   $ 162          $ 288         $ 345
                                                                          =====          =====         =====
</TABLE>

                        The assumed health care cost trend rate used in
                        measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit
                        obligation was 15% in fiscal 1995 and 14% in fiscal
                        1996, gradually declining to 5% in fiscal 2005.
                        Measurement of the accumulated postretirement benefit
                        obligation was based on an assumed 7.5% discount rate in
                        each of the last three years.

                           If the health care cost trend rate assumptions were
                        increased by 1%, the accumulated postretirement
                        obligation as of October 31, 1996 would be increased by
                        $450,000. The effect of this change on the service cost
                        and interest cost would be an aggregate increase of
                        $37,000.

11.                     INCOME TAXES
================================================================================

                        Income tax expense was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Years ended October 31,
                                               ------------------------------------
                                                1996           1995          1994
                        ===========================================================
                        <S>                    <C>            <C>           <C>
                        Current
                           Federal             $10,379        $ 6,108       $ 9,013
                           State                 2,795          1,821         3,521
                                               -------        -------       -------
                                                13,174          7,929        12,534
                        Deferred
                           Federal              (1,017)        (1,383)       (1,928)
                           State                  (175)          (497)       (1,157)
                                               -------        -------       -------
                                                (1,192)        (1,880)       (3,085)
                                               -------        -------       -------
                                               $11,982        $ 6,049       $ 9,449
                                               =======        =======       =======
</TABLE>

                        GCC's effective income tax rate was 41.0% in 1996, 1995
                        and 1994. The differences between the statutory federal
                        tax rate and the effective tax rate are due primarily to
                        state income taxes.

                           The Company paid approximately $11.3 million, $9.0
                        million and $13.1 million in income taxes during the
                        years ended October 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
                        respectively.


                                       20
<PAGE>   23
                        Significant components of the Company's net deferred
                        income tax liability stated on a gross basis at October
                        31 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                        (In thousands)                                    1996           1995
                        ===================================================================== 
                        <S>                                            <C>             <C>
                        Gross deferred income tax assets
                           Financial accruals and reserves             $ 2,504        $ 3,048
                        Postretirement health care benefits              2,631          2,663
                           Self insurance accruals                       2,004          1,677
                                                                       -------        -------
                              Total deferred tax assets                  7,139          7,388
                        Gross deferred income tax liabilities
                           Property and equipment                       17,158         18,599
                                                                       -------        -------
                              Net deferred tax liability               $10,019        $11,211
                                                                       =======        =======
</TABLE>




12.                     Net Investment INCOME (LOSS)
================================================================================

                        Investment income (loss) consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Years ended October 31,
                                                             ------------------------------------
                                                             1996              1995          1994
                        =========================================================================
                        <S>                                  <C>            <C>           <C>
                        Interest income                      $ 2,593        $ 2,894       $ 1,483
                        Dividend income                        1,207          1,413         1,324
                        Gain on sale of investment, net        9,452              -             -
                        Loss from minority investments, net   (3,145)        (6,623)       (1,167)
                                                             -------        -------       -------
                        Net investment income (loss)         $10,107        $(2,316)      $ 1,640
                                                             =======        =======       =======
</TABLE>

                        In October 1996, GCC realized a $9.5 million net pretax
                        gain upon the liquidation of its investment in a radio
                        group that operated radio stations in the San Francisco,
                        Las Vegas and Albuquerque markets. GCC received
                        aggregate proceeds of $22.8 million relating to these
                        sales transactions. GCC's portion of funds remaining in
                        escrow relating to these transactions amount to $0.6
                        million.

                           In April 1996, the Company recorded a $2.5 million
                        pretax charge to write off its remaining investment in a
                        children's clothing retailer as a result of that
                        company's continued cash flow problems and operating
                        losses. Loss from minority investments in 1996 also
                        included a $0.6 million pretax charge recorded in the
                        first quarter, representing the Company's share of
                        losses incurred by its radio group investment, when such
                        investment was accounted for under the equity method.

                           Net loss from minority investments in 1995 consisted
                        of a fourth-quarter $5.0 million write-down of the
                        investment in a children's clothing retailer and a
                        first-quarter $2.9 million write-off of the remaining
                        investment in a food service company, reduced by
                        dividend income of approximately $1.3 million from the
                        Company's eyeglass retailer minority investment. The
                        1994 amount represents GCC's equity in the losses of the
                        food service company.




                                       21
<PAGE>   24
13.                     COMPARATIVE QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
================================================================================



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                          1996
                                                                      -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                         First    Second        Third      Fourth      Full
                        (In thousands except for per share amounts)    Quarter   Quarter      Quarter     Quarter      Year
                        ====================================================================================================
                        <S>                                           <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>     
                        Revenues                                      $126,482  $ 95,567     $137,301   $  86,653  $446,003
                        Gross profit                                    21,363    11,736       25,676       7,681    66,456
                        Net earnings (loss)                              5,668    (1,392)       8,428       4,538    17,242
                        Net earnings (loss)
                           per common share                           $   0.72  $  (0.18)    $   1.07   $    0.58  $   2.20
                                                                      ========  ========     ========   =========  ========
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                          1995
                                                                      -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                         First    Second        Third      Fourth      Full
                        (In thousands except for per share amounts)    Quarter   Quarter      Quarter     Quarter      Year
                        ====================================================================================================
                        <S>                                           <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>     
                        Revenues                                     $124,170   $ 86,876     $138,852   $101,410   $451,308
                        Gross profit                                   20,439      9,262       24,548     13,559     67,808
                        Net earnings (loss)                             3,923       (939)       8,032     (2,311)     8,705
                        Net earnings (loss)
                           per common share                          $   0.50   $  (0.12)    $   1.02   $  (0.30)  $   1.11
                                                                     ========   ========     ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>


                                       22
<PAGE>   25
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


                        Board of Directors and Shareholders
                        GC Companies, Inc.
                        Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

                        We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of GC
                        Companies, Inc. as of October 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
                        related consolidated statements of earnings,
                        shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the
                        three years in the period ended October 31, 1996. These
                        financial statements are the responsibility of the
                        Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
                        an opinion on these financial statements based on our
                        audits.

                           We conducted our audits in accordance with generally
                        accepted auditing standards. Those standards require
                        that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
                        assurance about whether the financial statements are
                        free of material misstatement. An audit includes
                        examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
                        amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
                        audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
                        used and significant estimates made by management as
                        well as evaluating the overall financial statement
                        presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
                        reasonable basis for our opinion.

                           In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements
                        present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
                        position of GC Companies, Inc. as of October 31, 1996
                        and 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash
                        flows for each of the three years in the period ended
                        October 31, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted
                        accounting principles.




                        /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

                        Boston, Massachusetts
                        December 6, 1996




                                       23
<PAGE>   26
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

               Directors                                     Corporate Officers
               <S>                                           <C>   
               Richard A. Smith                              Richard A. Smith
               Chairman and                                  Chairman and
               Chief Executive Officer;                      Chief Executive Officer
               Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
               Harcourt General, Inc. and                    Robert A. Smith
               The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.                 President and
                                                             Chief Operating Officer
               William L. Brown *
               Former Chairman                               Paul R. Del Rossi
               Bank of Boston Corporation                    President and
                                                             Chief Executive Officer
               Peter C. Read *                               General Cinema Theatres, Inc.
               Former Executive Vice President
               Bank of Boston Corporation                    William B. Doeren
                                                             Executive Vice President and
               Francis E. Sutherby *                         Chief Operating Officer
               Former Partner                                General Cinema Theatres, Inc.
               Deloitte & Touche
                                                             John G. Berylson
                                                             Senior Vice President and
                                                             Chief Investment Officer

                                                             G. Gail Edwards
                                                             Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
                                                             and Treasurer

                                                             Philip J. Szabla
                                                             Vice President, General Counsel
                                                             and Secretary


              *Audit Committee
               Compensation Committee
               Special Review Committee
</TABLE>

                                       24
<PAGE>   27
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION


                        Requests for general information or published financial
                        information can be made in writing to GC Companies,
                        Inc., 27 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02167,
                        telephone (617) 278-5600.

                        Transfer Agent and Registrar

                        The First National Bank of Boston
                        c/o Boston EquiServe Limited Partnership
                        Post Office Box 1865
                        Boston, MA 02105
                        (800) 730-4001

                        Form 10-K

                        Additional copies of the Company's Form 10-K as filed
                        with the Securities and Exchange Commission are
                        available upon written request to the Secretary of the
                        Company.

                        Annual Meeting

                        The Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on
                        Wednesday, March 12, 1997 at 10:00 A.M. at the Company's
                        corporate headquarters at 27 Boylston Street, Chestnut
                        Hill, Massachusetts.

                        Stock Information

                        GC Companies' Common Stock is traded on the New York
                        Stock Exchange under the symbol "GCX". The following
                        table indicates the quarterly price range of GC
                        Companies' Common Stock for the past two fiscal years.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                    1996                         1995
                        --------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Quarter             High            Low           High           Low
                        ====================================================================
                        <S>               <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
                        First             $35.25         $32.00         $31.13        $24.75
                        Second            $38.00         $32.75         $35.00        $29.88
                        Third             $37.75         $33.50         $34.50        $32.00
                        Fourth            $37.88         $33.25         $34.75        $31.50
</TABLE>

                        GC Companies had approximately 7,816 million shares of
                        Common Stock outstanding and approximately 3,575 Common
                        shareholders of record at October 31, 1996.
<PAGE>   28
Corporate Address

GC Companies, Inc.
27 Boylston St.
Chestnut Hill, MA 02167
GC Companies and General Cinema: (617) 277-4320
Shareholder Information: (617) 278-5600

<PAGE>   1
EXHIBIT 21.1
GC COMPANIES, INC.
SUBSIDIARIES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                JURISDICTION
                                                OF
SUBSIDIARY                                      INCORPORATION                      STOCKHOLDER
- ----------                                      -------------                      -----------

<S>                                             <C>                          <C>
Chestnut Hill Clothes, Inc.                     Delaware                     GCC Investments, Inc.

Chestnut Hill Foods, Inc.                       Delaware                     GCC Investments, Inc.

Chestnut Hill Media, Inc.                       Delaware                     GCC Investments, Inc.

Chestnut Hill Telecommunications,  Inc.         Delaware                     GCC Investments, Inc.

Chestnut Hill Vision, Inc.                      Delaware                     GCC Investments, Inc.

Chestnut Hill Wireless, Inc.                    Delaware                     GCC Investments, Inc.

Cinema Ad-Ventures, Inc.                        Massachusetts                General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

GC Security Corp.                               Delaware                     GC Companies, Inc.

G.C. Theatre Corp. of California                California                   General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

GCC Investments, Inc.                           Delaware                     GC Companies, Inc.

GCC Radio, Inc.                                 Delaware                     GCC Investments, Inc.

GCT Management, Inc.                            Delaware                     General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Corp. of Georgia                 Georgia                      General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Corp. of Indiana                 Indiana                      General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Corp. of Louisiana               Louisiana                    General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Corp. of Maryland, Inc.          Maryland                     General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Corp. of Massachusetts           Massachusetts                General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Corp. of Michigan                Michigan                     General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Corp. of Minnesota, Inc.         Minnesota                    General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Corp. of New York, Inc.          New York                     General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Corp. of North Carolina          North Carolina               General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Corp. of Oklahoma, Inc.          Oklahoma                     General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Corp. of Pennsylvania            Pennsylvania                 General Cinema Theatres, Inc.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   2
                               GC COMPANIES, INC.

                                  SUBSIDIARIES
                                   (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                JURISDICTION
                                                OF
SUBSIDIARY                                      INCORPORATION                    STOCKHOLDER
- ----------                                      -------------                    -----------

<S>                                             <C>                        <C>
General Cinema Corp. of Rhode Island            Rhode Island               General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Corp. of South Carolina          Delaware                   General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Corp. of Tennessee               Tennessee                  General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Corp. of Texas                   Texas                      General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Corp. of Virginia                Virginia                   General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Corp. of Washington              Washington                 General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema of Arizona, Inc.                 Arizona                    General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema of Framingham, Inc.              Massachussetts             General Cinema Corp. of Massachusetts

General Cinema of New Mexico, Inc.              New Mexico                 General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Theatres, Inc.                   Maine                      GC Companies, Inc.

General Cinema Theatres of Delaware, Inc.       Delaware                   General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Theatres of Florida, Inc.        Florida                    General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Theatres of Illinois, Inc.       Illinois                   General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Theatres of New Jersey, Inc.     New Jersey                 General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Theatres of Ohio, Inc.           Ohio                       General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

General Cinema Tickets, Inc.                    Delaware                   General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

Joliet Cinema, Inc.                             Delaware                   General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

Knights Holding Corp.                           Pennsylvania               General Cinema Corp. of Pennsylvania

Knights Realty Corp.                            Pennsylvania               Knights Theatre Corp.

Knights Theatre Corp.                           Pennsylvania               Knights Holding Corp.

Louis Joliet Cinema, Inc.                       Delaware                   General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

Global Cinema Network, Inc.                     Delaware                   General Cinema Theatres, Inc.

</TABLE>


<PAGE>   1
GC COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 21.3



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
33-76196 of GC Companies, Inc. on Form S-8 of our report dated December 6, 1996,
appearing in and incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of
GC Companies, Inc. for the year ended October 31, 1996.

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
January 29, 1997


                                      - 1 -



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS A SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AND CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
EARNINGS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1996
<CASH>                                          71,745
<SECURITIES>                                     1,566
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                97,064
<PP&E>                                         325,961
<DEPRECIATION>                                 163,980
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 314,303
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           93,663
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                            78
<OTHER-SE>                                     175,903
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   314,303
<SALES>                                        446,003
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               446,003
<CGS>                                          179,963
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  425,707
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               (9,567)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 639
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 29,224
<INCOME-TAX>                                    11,982
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             17,242
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    17,242
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.20
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.20
        

</TABLE>


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